Farming on Purpose
A podcast for farmers and ranchers ready to shift for a stronger future... Stronger farm families Stronger food systems Stronger rural legacies
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Episodes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
“I have developed actual relationships with my customers because it is farming. It is such a small world at the end of the day and all of my customers are either friends or family to me at some point in time. Even customers from previous banks, we still talk and we still have that relationship because you’re in farming and I feel like everybody’s the same in the agriculture community. They’re good people and they’re honest people and they want to help everybody. And I think that’s just agriculture in general.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kaitlyn Niemeyer Burks. Kaitlyn is Head of Ag Lending at a bank in Missouri. At home, Kaitlyn is a 4th generation farmer and she shares that being a banker and having farmers as customers, while wasn’t her original plan, it is her way of helping her family farm and staying connected to agriculture and people in the ag industry. Kaitlyn gives some insight on new trends she is seeing in younger generations of farmers as well as some tips for starting farmers. Kaitlyn also shares about her passion for helping her customers throughout their farming journey.
About our guest: Kaitlyn Niemeyer Burks - Missouri
Kaitlyn is Head of Ag Lending at First State Community Bank and a 4th generation farmer. She enjoys helping beginning farmers find ways to discover lending opportunities and educating individuals on working with the farm service agencies.
If you are interested in connecting with Kaitlyn, check out her TikTok.
At a glance:
Kaitlyn’s finance and banking career.
Things Kaitlyn is seeing in the new generations of farmers that are different from past generations.
Kaitlyn’s tips for success when working with FSA or for starting farmers.
You may also enjoy…
#14 Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost on the Farm
#29 Bridging the Gap in Ag Culture with Megan Larson
#38 How to Make Growing Your Local Ag Business Easier with Sammy Gleason
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.
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
“I learned a lot about who I was and who I was capable of being and that was just an awesome experience.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Camarie Roorda. Camarie and her family have been involved in agriculture and the rodeo industry for years and Camarie shares about her journey in rodeo. Camarie’s experience in rodeo helped spark her two businesses, the Performance Pony Company and RodeoKids. Camarie explains why she finds it important to invest in kids and help cultivate their passion for ag and rodeo.
About our guest: Camarie Roorda, RodeoKids - Iowa
Camarie Roorda is a small town Iowa cowgirl who grew up with family highly involved in the ag industry as competitors and producers, but didn't find her passion for it right away. As God would have it, she did eventually find the love for rodeo competition that led her to her purpose, providing for the youth in the industry. Through the Performance Pony Company and RodeoKids, Camarie provides products, services, and mentoring for youth and families. She also takes her many observations from conversations with youth to share a unique perspective that she hopes provides a voice for the youth and longevity for the sport of rodeo and the western way of life.
If you are interested in connecting with Camarie, check out her Instagram, or learn more about RodeoKids, visit their Facebook page, Instagram page, and website, or learn more about Performance Pony Company, visit their Facebook page, Instagram page, and website.
At a glance:
Camarie’s rodeo journey.
Creating RodeoKids and how the idea came to Camarie.
Camarie’s support system as she grew her business.
Investing in kids and having them watch adults achieve their dreams.
You may also enjoy…
#4 The Power of Courage in Farm Management Discussions with Elaine Froese
#10 When You Have to Wait to Expand the Farm
#16 Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres
#26 Point Where You Aim with Ashley Jackson
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.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
“I think that it’s important for consumers to know that when you are in a rural area you cannot receive the same products, sometimes at all.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Comeau. Ashley and her husband, Adam, are the current owners of Brant’s Meat Market in rural Kansas. Brant’s Meat Market has been in operation for over 100 years and Ashley talks about the history of the store and the Brant family and the processes they had in place to run the meat market. While still wanting to hold and honor traditions of the family and the store, Ashley and Adam also want to expand their customer reach and opportunities the meat market is able to fulfill. Ashley also shares about opening a second location and the highs and lows that came with a second store. Ashley and Adam love working with their community to provide high quality meat as well as local meat.
About our guest: Ashley Comeau, Brant’s Meat Market - Kansas
Adam and Ashley Comeau, natives of Rooks County, Kansas, are the owners of Brant’s Market. Ashley attended Fort Hays State University for her Bachelor's Degree and earned her Juris Doctorate at Washburn University School of Law. Ashley works full-time with Jeter Law Firm in Hays and Adam works full-time for Ellis County EMS. In 2018, together they purchased the historic Brant's Meat Market, located in Lucas, Kansas, from the Brant family, and soon after expanded to a second storefront location in Plainville, Kansas, where they reside. The business has been the recipient of several statewide awards, including being selected by the Kansas Sampler Foundation as one of the "Eight Wonders of Kansas Commerce" and being named the "2021 North Central Kansas Regional Retail Business" by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
If you are interested in learning more about Ashley and Brant’s Meat Market, visit their Facebook page and website.
At a glance:
History of Brant’s Meat Market in rural Kansas.
The transition of ownership of Brant’s Meat Market to Ashley and her husband Adam.
Aspiration of future growth of Brant’s Meat Market.
Working with local beef producers.
You may also enjoy…
#7 How Veterans are Learning to Start Small at the SAVE Farm with Tod Bunting
#18 Kansas Hop Farming and Entrepreneurship with The Tipsy Farmer
#44 Our Farm Transition Story Part 1
#46 Supplementing Farm Income with That Fit Agvocate
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright:
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
“That is where when you are starting a new business, you have those challenges. You have to think around the corner. You have to think, ‘I know what I want, now how can I explain it to someone who’s never met me?’”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brad Fourby of Leafy Green Farms. Brad’s farm is unique and innovative. Situated in Southeast Kansas, Brad is able to grow his leafy green vegetables year round using climate-controlled shipping containers. Brad shares how his farm got started and the challenges he faced, like getting the bank to believe in his vision like he did. Brad also shares about ventures getting small farms like his into schools to not only help the students but their families and the community as well.
About our guest: Brad Fourby, Leafy Green Farms - Kansas
Brad is a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, business owner, farmer and member of the Board of Directors of Kansas Farmers Veteran Coalition and Founder of Leafy Green Farms Pittsburg Kansas.
If you are interested in learning more about Brad and Leafy Green Farms, visit the Facebook page and website.
At a glance:
How Brad got started farming and using climate-controlled shipping containers for growing year round.
Educating youth about where their food comes from and putting similar, smaller farms in schools in Southeast Kansas.
Growing leafy green vegetables in containers: what that looks like and how Brad operates the farm.
The challenges of getting the farm started with just a concept.
You may also enjoy…
#18 Kansas Hop Farming and Entrepreneurship with The Tipsy Farmer
#44 Our Farm Transition Story Part 1
#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 stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.