Episodes
![Strategies to Calm the Chaos and Balance "It All"](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Strategies to Calm the Chaos and Balance "It All"
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
“Recognizing the season and what actually is important in that season, I think, is the most important thing you can do.”
In this episode, I wanted to talk about a topic that many followers have asked me about, time management and how to manage all the irons in the fire as a wife, mother, farmer, and business owner. Sometimes it is hard to adjust your expectations to the season you are in, but once you do and set realistic, achievable goals, it will help you stay on track. I use tools like Google calendar to help me with time management. I have adopted the philosophy that there’s a home for everything in your home, business, and even digital material. That has really helped me stay organized and be more productive. An important tip I talk about is finding support systems to help guide you and achieve your goals, as well as support you on your journey!
At a glance:
There’s a season for everything.
Time management is important for any season of life.
Make everything have a home.
Find your support systems.
Decision fatigue in agriculture.
You may also enjoy…
#12 Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach
#32 Shifting Perspectives with Michaela Gasseling
#44 Our Farm Transition Story Part 1
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.
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.
![Building Great Relationships with Your Rural Veterinarian](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Building Great Relationships with Your Rural Veterinarian
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
“Use veterinarians for our knowledge base. We worked really hard for that degree and it matters.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Lauren Mack. Lauren shared her insight on what it is like moving to rural Kansas and buying a veterinarian practice right after graduation. After having been the new person in a small town, Lauren spoke about some ways she likes to get the community involved in welcoming an applicant or staff member. Being warm and welcoming to new members of the community is a topic we spoke a lot about and is important if you want your community to thrive. Lauren also talked about how to build a relationship with your vet as well as the importance of veterinarians to set boundaries for themselves to protect their mental health.
About our guest: Dr. Lauren Mack, The Animal Hospital - Kansas
Dr. Lauren Mack grew up in Enfield, Connecticut and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in 2010. She promptly moved to the west coast and attended Washington State for veterinary school. After a wonderful experience at WSU and receiving her DVM in 2014, she whisked herself away to rural Kansas where she purchased her first veterinary practice only two months after her WSU graduation.
In Plainville, Kansas what ensued was what can only be described as a “baptism by fire” journey being a solo-practitioner in rural animal medicine and business owner. However, nearly 10 years later, with the acquisition of a second veterinary practice, the addition of two veterinarians and a steadfast husband who writes her conference biographies for her, she is doing well.
Dr. Mack owns two true-mixed-animal practices in rural Kansas and for nearly 10 years has built deep relationships with the communities her practices inhabit. Multiple times per year she hosts “Producer Meetings” where cow/calf producers enjoy homemade BBQ and learn critical lessons on improving their herd health. She has developed excellent programs such as “Farm Cat Frenzy” to responsibly influence the feline populations. She often participates in educational opportunities for children and always steals the show with activities like mock surgery using a tub of obstetrical lube as the “body”. Lastly, she presents frequently at veterinary school as well as for VBMA programs on a variety of topics.
Dr. Mack is married to a psychologist who practices in rural Kansas as well. The best part of their lives is their three-old boy who they are extraordinarily thankful for (and humbled by), every day. For fun, they mostly love new business ideas and pushing themselves to grow.
If you’re interested in connecting with Lauren, check out her veterinarian practice website.
At a glance:
How Lauren made her home in Kansas and took over family-run veterinarian practices.
Being a veterinarian in a rural community.
Building a relationship with your vet.
You may also enjoy…
#15 Developing Routines for Ranch Roles and Profitability with Marli Scarborough
#49 Growing a 100 year old Meat Market in Rural Kansas
#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 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.
![Start Homesteading in Your Kitchen with Meghan Gates](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Start Homesteading in Your Kitchen with Meghan Gates
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
“The cattle industry is such a long game. You just have to plan for 10, 20 years in advance all the time.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Meghan Gates. Meghan has a lot on her plate as a mother, rancher, and a business woman. Meghan dove into her background in agriculture as well as how she and her husband started their own cattle operation and selling beef shares. On the side, Meghan also has a western apparel online shop and a soup cookbook! Meghan suggested, if you’re interested in getting started in homesteading but aren’t sure where to start your journey, try the kitchen. Meghan shared where she got her inspiration for her cookbook and some techniques for cooking she wishes to pass on to others.
About our guest: Meghan Gates, Good Handle - Oklahoma
Meghan is a ranch wife and mother homesteading and raising beef cattle on the Oklahoma high plains. She produces online homesteading education, cookbooks and western apparel. When she's not wrangling toddlers, you can find her reading, gardening, or elbows-deep in sourdough.
If you’re interested in connecting with Meghan, check out the Good Handle website and Meghan’s Instagram.
At a glance:
Meghan and her husband’s small and rocky start in the cattle industry.
Selling beef shares and using a small, local butcher.
Meghan’s other businesses and her soup cookbook.
Trusting your instincts when cooking.
You may also enjoy…
#19 Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch
#21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger
#28 Behind the Scenes of Ranch Mom Life & Ag Homeschooling with Lindsey Huseman
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.
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.
![Expanding a Peach & Apple Farm in the Midwest with South Baldwin Farms](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Expanding a Peach & Apple Farm in the Midwest with South Baldwin Farms
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
“It’s different every day, which I love. That was one of my difficulties with an office job; it was a little bit of monotony and boredom. You’re not going to get bored on a farm.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gabe Spurgoen from South Baldwin Farms. Gabe shared about his career as an architect and how he didn’t feel fulfilled. What started as a way for Gabe to get away from his office desk by planting some peach trees quickly evolved into Gabe joining his father-in-law on the family farm as a fruit farmer. Gabe expanded on their peach and apple orchard operation and the seasonal employees that have now become like family to him. Gabe also discussed what it’s like to be an employee on the farm and talk about the farm succession and the future of the farm.
About our guest: Gabe Spurgeon, South Baldwin Farms - Kansas
Gabe grew up in southwest Missouri working many summers in a peach orchard. After college, Gabe was an architect but missed being in a peach orchard. Gabe went to his father-in-law about planting some peach trees on his hobby farm that quickly snowballed into Gabe working full-time on the now fully operational fruit farm, South Baldwin Farms, with his father-in-law in Kansas.
If you’re interested in connecting with Gabe, check out South Baldwin Farms website, Facebook, and YouTube.
At a glance:
Gabe’s need to get away from a desk led to him being a farmer.
Seasonal employees using the H2A program.
Being a fruit farmer in Kansas and expanding the orchards.
Family dynamics on the farm and succession planning.
You may also enjoy…
#12 Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach
#50 Building Your Dream on God's Time Through Daily Dedication
#54 Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California
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.
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.
![Living Your Authentic Ag Journey with Matt Brechwald of Off-Farm Income](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Living Your Authentic Ag Journey with Matt Brechwald of Off-Farm Income
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
“I like animals and I like being a steward of animals and having a pragmatic purpose for having lots of animals.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matt Brechwald, host of the Off-Farm Income podcast. Matt shared about his childhood and how he first got interested in agriculture. Matt also shared about his journey in the ag industry that eventually led him to start a farm with his wife and host the Off-Farm Income podcast. Matt explained the challenges he sees with the urban sprawl in his area. Matt gave some insight into the marketing around the lab-grown meat and where the funding is coming from. Matt has plenty of stories to share and was kind enough to share a Christmas story from his childhood.
About our guest: Matt Brechwald, Off-Farm Income Podcast - Idaho
Matt hosts the Off-Farm Income Podcast and is a small farmer from Idaho.
If you’re interested in connecting with Matt, check out his podcast Off-Farm Income, Instagram, and Facebook.
At a glance:
Matt’s background and ag journey.
Listening to cattle feast on a fresh pasture.
Getting started as a farmer from scratch.
The urban sprawl.
Matt’s childhood story about seeing Santa fall at Christmastime.
You may also enjoy…
#10 When You Have to Wait to Expand the Farm
#12 Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach
#44 Our Farm Transition Story Part 1
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.
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.
![Finding Fulfillment on the Farm through Understanding Your Identity](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Finding Fulfillment on the Farm through Understanding Your Identity
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
“There’s help out there. Like there’s a resource or somebody for you.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dawn Krees. Dawn talked about her podcast Harvesting Her Way, her coaching, and what her clients are wanting to learn more about. Diving deeper into Dawn’s coaching, she explained that it is important to work with your body and as a woman, work with your cycle. Dawn also explained Human Design and how she uses that tool to help her clients understand their personalities and motivations. One great piece of advice Dawn shared was to trust your instincts in food and movement.
About our guest: Dawn Krees, Harvesting Her Way - Iowa
Dawn Marie is a farm wife and farm mama of 3 girls, living her best life in the Midwest of rural Iowa. Dawn is a holistic lifestyle mentor and podcast host of Harvesting Her Way helping women live their most authentic selves for themselves and for their families. Utilizing your cycle and unique human design, she will walk you through ways to connect with your inner desires in life and how to lean into action of living your purpose.
If you’re interested in connecting with Dawn, checkout her website, Instagram, and podcast.
At a glance:
Dawn’s podcast and coaching.
Changing our perspective on food and myth busting food “rules”.
Understanding your behaviors, personality, and motivations using Human Design.
You may also enjoy…
#13 Self Awareness and Good Movement through the Enneagram with Terryn Drieling
#41 Habits & Routines for Your Season With Thea Larsen of Cowgirls Over Coffee
#47 Building Connections with Strong Ag Women with Jana Earp
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.
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.
![The Farm & Food System - Insurance, Regulation, and Trends toward Self Sufficiency](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
“I think a lot of farmers would like to not rely on the bank or the government, but unfortunately the system and the path we’re heading down today, we rely too heavily on those practices.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of catching up with Shane Meenen. Shane and I covered a lot of ground in our chat, from A2 milk to insurance. Shane talked about the rules and regulations around regenerative agriculture. Shane discusses government involvement in agriculture, PPE loans, crop and livestock insurance. Shane also advocated for not following tradition if it is no longer serving you or your operation.
About our guest: Shane Meenen
Shane Meenen, a Northeast Kansas native, spent six years establishing a career working alongside the commercial row crop production industry which showed him the good and bad of today’s production agriculture system. This fueled a desire to think differently about today’s farming and ranching styles, and the dependency of government subsidies and having to play by their rules. Shane is also passionate about creating a self-sufficient lifestyle that works in harmony with God’s original design, raising his own produce, eggs and broilers, and pasture pork, beef, and lamb.
At a glance:
The regulations and government involvement in regenerative agriculture.
Crop insurance and lack of crop diversity.
Being innovative and not sticking to traditions when it no longer works.
Other types of ag insurance.
You may also enjoy…
#27 Market Shifts in Direct to Consumer Marketing in the Beef Industry
#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 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.
![Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
“Probably one of the top three reasons the sheep industry is slowly dwindling is just the amount of work that goes into it is a lot, like you don’t really get paid for that. I wish that was something that, I would still have gotten the sheep anyways, but I wish I would have known that going into it.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Charity Epperson. Charity and I cover quite a few topics in this episode. Charity had the unique childhood experience of growing up on a preserve in rural California and Charity shares what that was like as well as living off-grid. Charity explains why she chose the breeds of sheep and pigs that she raises with her husband and son as well as why she chose to get into ranching. Living in rural, serene California does not come without its challenges, like getting vet services or other services to come out to their home and ranch. Charity dives into that more and some of the ways she’s had to be creative to overcome some obstacles. Charity talks about her new ventures with the sheep wool and pig lard and where you can find those products from her ranch.
About our guest: Charity Epperson, Wild Things Ranch - California
Throughout Charity’s childhood, she resided on a vast 2,000-acre preserve, which fostered a deep respect for nature and agriculture. With the help of her husband, Sam, and their son, Tristan, Charity has embarked on a journey of raising Icelandic sheep and Kunekune pigs on some of Sam's family's land in serene Northern California near the Sonoma County Coast. Charity’s passion lies in providing nutrient-dense proteins while exercising responsible land and animal management. Charity is devoted to utilizing her work to positively impact her community and eagerly anticipates what the future holds for her, her family, and their ranch.
If you are interested in connecting with Charity, check out her website, Instagram, and Facebook page.
At a glance:
Charity’s childhood growing up on a preserve and living off-grid.
The shift to being a sheep and pig rancher.
The Icelandic sheep and Kunekune pigs that Charity raises.
What it’s like living in rural California.
You may also enjoy…
#44 Our Farm Transition Story Part 1
#46 Supplementing Farm Income with That Fit Agvocate
#49 Growing a 100 year old Meat Market in Rural Kansas
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.
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.
![Ranching with an Eye on Financial Feasibility](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Ranching with an Eye on Financial Feasibility
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
“Financially right now in agriculture, it’s so expensive to get going. I have no idea how first-generation people do it and I have nothing but respect for them and what they go through to get going.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kendel Hofer. Kendel is the third generation on her family ranch and keeps it going with help from her husband and two boys. Kendel dives into her family history of the ranch and how her father was able to expand it with hard work and help from her grandfather. Kendel shares about what the transition to owning the farm from her father looked like. Kendel talks about the financial feasibility of farming and ranching and how difficult it can be to get into agriculture. Kendel also shares about some methods they use on the ranch, that aren’t without challenges to figure out and overcome.
About our guest: Kendel Hofer, K and L Barrel Horses - North Dakota
Kendel is the third generation on their family ranch. Her grandparents purchased the ranch after WW2. Then her dad took the ranch over and he was able to double the size of the ranch. Due to health problems, Kendel and her husband purchased the ranch from her dad, where they are now raising their two sons, Kaston and Kannan. The boys have the opportunity to grow up on the ranch like Kendel did; it is one of the things she is most proud of. Not only do they have cattle on their ranch, they raise and train barrel horses. They see their horses as another business on their ranch. The ranch makes it possible for the horses to have life experiences that make them better in and outside of the arena. Kendel’s family has a deep passion for their ranch and their goal is to make their ranch a strong business. They definitely have had challenges along the way from years of drought, equipment breakdowns, and more. It seems like they always have a new challenge to overcome. But luckily they are very stubborn people so they carry on. Kendel got into regenerative ranching 3 years ago. She has been using those practices to improve the ranch and make it more profitable. Kendel’s hope is one day to not only see the ranch grow but for it to be able to support two families without someone working in town to make it work.
If you are interested in connecting with Kendel, check out her website.
At a glance:
Kendel’s operation and how they got started.
The family history of the ranch and the expansion.
Methods Kendel uses and some of the challenges she has faced.
Financial aspects of farming.
You may also enjoy…
#14 Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost on the Farm
#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
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.
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.
![Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13902590/The_Farming_on_Purpose_Podcast_Cover_qyqwad_300x300.png)
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
“Flexibility pays more than what you can ask for in a salary.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Calli Williams, or you may know her as the Millennial Rancher. Calli shares about her family’s cow/calf operation, how Calli met her husband, Tate, and how they are combining their cattle operation knowledge and making their own cattle operation thrive. Calli said that her involvement in FFA and 4H really shaped her life and who she is today and hopes that her boys want to get involved in those organizations as well. Calli talks about the benefits for her and her cattle operation to be able to work from home, but it doesn’t come without its own challenges. Calli shares what methods she uses to successfully work from home to utilize her time well. Calli and Tate are expanding their operation by offering straight to consumer beef from their own cattle. Calli shares how they started that business venture and what she hopes the future holds for the business.
About our guest: Calli Williams, TW Angus - South Dakota
Calli Williams, originally from Aurora, South Dakota now lives near Mitchell with her husband Tate and two sons, Jack and Tommy. Calli grew up on a small cow-calf operation and as an only child she was hands on with every aspect of the operation. Breeding season, AI season, herd health management, etc. She was also active in 4H and FFA where she had a passion for showing cattle they raised, and competing in Ag Sales through FFA.
Calli and Tate met at the South Dakota State Fair in 2014. Calli had just returned from her second summer interning with Certified Angus Beef in Wooster, Ohio and was helping a family she had known from all the years of showing in 4H and Junior Shows, who Tate was also helping. That's when Tate asked Calli to show his Angus heifer for him, and the rest was history!
Tate and Calli are first-generation, Millennial Ranchers. They purchased their acreage the weekend they got engaged. After selling their Angus bulls via private treaty, they held their inaugural online bull sale in March 2021.
When they saw a need to find a better way to market their steers, Calli decided in addition to offering beef shares, they should offer beef bundles. They launched their retail beef business in 2022, where they offer bundles and steaks a la carte.
Calli works as a Livestock Field Representative with the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, and Tate works full time for his family's business - Williams Masonry.
If you are interested in connecting with Calli, check out her Instagram or learn more about their business at their website and Facebook page.
At a glance:
Calli and her husband combining cow/calf operation methods and starting their own farm on a previous farrowing operation.
Calli’s involvement in 4H and FFa and how it impacted her.
The future of Calli and her husband’s operation.
Working off the farm while building the farm.
You may also enjoy...
#2 Navigating First-Generation Dairy Farming
#12 Beginning Farming and Resetting Your Farm Practices with DL Lautenbach
#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.
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.