Farming on Purpose

Diversifying Your Cattle Income for Operation Growth with Neilson Beef

“Stuff that we don’t necessarily think is unique actually is unique. Our lifestyle is unique. There’s not a big percentage of us doing this in the world.”  
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Lance Neilson. Lance owns and operates a cow/calf business and he shared how he and his wife started growing their herd shortly after they graduated college and got married. Having both grown up in agriculture, they knew they wanted to raise their children in the lifestyle as well. Lance dove into some of the things he does to diversify his operation so that it is always evolving and growing. Lance also talked about getting into research projects and female cattle fertility that he does.  
 
About our guest: Lance Neilson, Neilson Signature Beef - Alberta, Canada 
Lance, his wife Karyn, and their 4 kids, Anika, Reid, Jenna, and Blake, ranch in east central Alberta. A diversified cow/calf operation that includes direct to consumer branded beef, bred heifers, and embryo implanting with bred recips sales. Lance also engages in research projects with local Ag colleges and other groups on projects primarily around breeding female fertility, longevity, as well as weight gain, and health in calves.  
You can connect with Lance on his website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.  
 
At a glance:  
Lance and his wife started building their cattle operation right after they graduated from college and got married. 
Diversifying the operation by having different outlets for their beef.  
Lance’s facility, equipment, and operation. 
You may also enjoy…
#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
#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.  

A Legacy of Direct to Consumer Beef with Callison Ranch

“Sometimes when things feel like it’s the worst day, it may turn out to be one of the best experiences in your interest.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Nikki Callison of Callison Ranch. Nikki shared about how she got back into agriculture after being a teacher for ten years. Nikki and her husband, Roger started their direct to consumer beef operation and Nikki talked about her family history in the selling of beef business. Nikki also shared her experience raising three kids on the ranch and noted some of the lasting memories she has. Nikki explained the importance of marketing, not just for her business, but for agriculture as a whole. She likes using Instagram to educate people on agriculture and show some behind the scenes stuff to help people see where their food comes from and just how important agriculture is.   
 
About our guest: Nikki Callison, Callison Ranch- Oklahoma 
Nikki Callison and her family have raised beef cattle for generations. Nikki and her four brothers grew up helping their parents on their ranch, caring for cattle and horses. Nikki taught school for 10 years before realizing she missed the ranch and promptly moved back to Oklahoma and met her husband, Roger. They bought a home and acreage and adopted their three children. 
Since then they have raised their kids on the ranch and jumped into selling and shipping beef direct to consumers.  
You can connect with Nikki on their website and Instagram.  
 
At a glance:  
Getting started from scratch in Oklahoma and sharing the journey on Instagram. 
Raising kids on the farm and the benefits of the lifestyle.  
Promoting and marketing beef as a direct to consumer beef operation.   
You may also enjoy…
#21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger
#40 How I Found Family Centered Off Farm Income
#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 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 Power of Small Farms and Slow Growth with Lane's End Farm Creamery

“One of our favorite quotes of all time is, ‘The answer to America’s food problem is not one or two big answers, it’s many small answers.’ And we couldn’t agree more.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Jesse and Lisa Vivian. Jesse and Lisa shared how they started  Lane’s End Farm + Creamery. The original plan for the creamery was to make cheese but then Covid hit and like many others their plans had to adapt to the new demand of their community. Once their community got a taste of their milk, they had a huge demand to keep it flowing. Jesse explains how complex it is to have dairy cows and touches on some of the planning that goes into keeping milk production at a consistent level. Jesse and Lisa don’t want to keep their business model a secret, so if it is something you’re interested in, check out their course! Also be sure to check out their Instagram to see some of the creamery’s products!  
About our guest: Jesse and Lisa Vivian, Lane’s End Farm + Creamery - Pennsylvania     
Jesse and Lisa are high school sweethearts turned Microdairy farmers! Along with their three kids, they live on a 20 acre farm milking 10 cows once a day, and sell all their milk locally. 
You can connect with Lane’s End Farm + Creamery on their website and Instagram.  
At a glance:    
How they started the creamery. 
Covid changed their cheese making plan.  
The planning that goes into milking cows.    
The expansion of the creamery’s products. 
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
#62 Your Life's Bingo Card and Flower Farming with Liz Fiedler of Sunny Mary Meadow 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. 
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.  
 

From Homesteading to Backgrounding Beef and Meat Business Expansion

“It’s not something that happens overnight, it’s a gradual transition. We started making our own bars of soap, I started making my own tallow, I started doing all these little things gradually that are creating a more holistic home, but it definitely takes time and you appreciate everything you have a whole lot more.”  
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Kerissa Payne of Covey Rise Farms. Kerissa shared about her journey building her farm operation with her husband in Ohio and then moving their operation to Kansas. As you can imagine, that process did not come without a few bumps in the road, but Kerissa and her family have settled into their new home and are working on expanding their business. Kerissa also delved into how she started making things from scratch and how going without some things, like their dryer, doesn’t have to be a bad thing.  
 
About our guest: Kerissa Payne, Covey Rise Farms - Kansas     
Kerissa grew up in a small rural town in Southern, Ohio. Where she came from farming was a hobby, not a fulltime job. Kerissa wanted to understand the connection between the soil and the food she ate everyday. She began to question ingredients and started searching for a middle ground between healthy and affordability. 
Charlie and Kerissa met in April 2018. They quickly became a team and by May they started making farming decisions together. Starting a farmer's market in Westerville and doing farm chores together. Right before they met, Charlie decided to purchase 54 acres of ground after being approached with an only possible by God land opportunity. That winter their dreams of selling direct to consumer grew and so did our aspirations for our future. The 54 acres were blank dirt that had nothing but soil and potential, so it needed lots of money and time to get it functional. A few years later, land prices around them soared and the reality sank in that they wouldn't be able to buy more land in the area. So they went back to the table to brainstorm ideas for their business. 
Kerissa and Charlie began looking at farms in Kansas. They knew they needed more land, and Ohio wasn't going to provide it. Kansas not only had great land, but it offered connections to agriculture. Not growing up in agriculture, knowledge was something they really wanted to expand. Charlie went to college with a guy who was looking to expand his grain operation but needed help in a small town in western Kansas. So they began to explore partnership opportunities where they each could grow their own businesses, and Charlie and Kerissa could expand their meat business. In the summer of 2023, Kerissa and Charlie sold everything they owned, and moved to Kansas. Their business in Kansas looks a little different. They are still raising and selling meat directly to consumers, but they have also added some custom feeding for other farmers, and hopefully here soon row crops. Being a beginning farmer means you need income diversification; you can't rely on one single revenue source to support your family.  
You can connect with Kerissa on her website or her Instagram.  
 
At a glance:  
Moving their farm operation from Ohio to Kansas. 
Making things from scratch and making do without.  
Backgrounding cattle. 
Why Kerissa and her family left Ohio. 
You may also enjoy…
#10 When You Have to Wait to Expand the Farm
#16 Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres
#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.  

Processing the Good and the Hard of Farm Life & Motherhood

“What you feel like in the moments when it is a hard season is real and even in your mind you know in a few years it’s going to be easier but that’s a few years away. I feel like I try to let myself feel those feelings and for me, writing is how I process a lot of that and remembering that it’s ok to feel hard but just know it’s not going to last forever.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Stacy Bronec. While not having an ag background, Stacy has taken to farm life and raising a family on the farm. Stacy shared about what she loves about farm life and some of the struggles she has encountered, like loneliness as a mother and farm wife. Stacy uses writing as an outlet, a way to process aspects of life, and to find community. Be sure to check out some of her essays and listen to the end of the episode to hear about Stacy’s wild third birth story!  
About our guest: Stacy Bronec - Minnesota  
Stacy Bronec is a freelance writer who lives in rural Montana with her husband and their three kids on their family farm and ranch. Years ago, she dreamt of big city life, but then she fell in love with a farmer and moved to the middle of nowhere. Now, she uses stories to make sense of the beauty and challenges of rural life. She writes for a local magazine and her personal essays have appeared in various publications online.  
You can connect with Stacy on her website or Substack, where she writes a monthly newsletter.
At a glance:  
Non-ag background to farm life in the middle of nowhere.  
Roles on the farm and the loneliness that can come with farm life and motherhood. 
Writing as an outlet and a way to process things.
Stacy’s off-script birth story.  
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
#56 Finding Fulfillment on the Farm through Understanding Your Identity
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 @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Your Life's Bingo Card and Flower Farming with Liz Fiedler of Sunny Mary Meadow Farms

“The mindset of I do belong here. I belong here. Never underestimate your roots and where you came from and just try to find your place.”    
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Liz Fiedler of Sunny Mary Meadow Farms. Liz shared how her flower farm got started as a farm stand and the many different ag operations were run on her late husband’s family farm. Liz also opened up with us about losing her husband unexpectedly and her grief journey so far. Liz is more than just a flower farmer and business owner, Liz is also a nurse practitioner and she noted how the two have some commonalities. One other hat that Liz wears is a coach for other people wanting to start their own flower farms or operations. She has learned a lot in her journey to get where she is and wants to help others by sharing her knowledge and experiences.   
 
About our guest: Liz Fielder, Sunny Mary Meadow Farms - Minnesota  
Liz Fiedler owns Sunny Mary Meadow Flower Farm, a business she started from scratch with a little 20'x30' garden and a farm stand and turned into a multiple 6 figure revenue business selling directly to consumers in 4 seasons.  
After the unexpected death of her husband in 2020 (heart attack while running) she was left with a "hobby" farm and realized just how expensive (and much work) it was going to be to keep living there. So she knew she needed to make it her own and find a way for it to support her family because the last thing she wanted to do was sell it. 
Liz now hosts the Sunny Mary Meadow Podcast, with over 50K downloads in the first 9 months that has led to a sister business, Sunny Mary Meadow Coaching, where she offers tips and insider knowledge on starting and successfully running a profitable business like hers from your farm.  She offers lots of free information and webinars, small mini-courses, and a comprehensive course to help shave a few years off of "trial and error" growth in your business. 
If you’re interested in connecting with Liz, check out her website, coaching website, Instagram, and coaching Instagram. 
 
At a glance:  
Farmstand to a flourishing flower farm.  
The many hats the farm has worn over the years and how Liz was able to repurpose aspects to fit her current need. 
Being a nurse practitioner and a flower farmer. 
You may also enjoy…
#26 Point Where You Aim with Ashley Jackson
#37 Looking Beyond Your Starting Point with Karoline Rose Bohannan
#58 Expanding a Peach & Apple Farm in the Midwest with South Baldwin 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. 
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.  

Strategies to Calm the Chaos and Balance "It All"

“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

“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

“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

“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.