Farming on Purpose

Building Connections with Strong Ag Women with Jana Earp

“So there’s a fine line and balance that needs to happen and I know that Texas is good about having those conversations and cattle raisers are active in those conversations and trying to make sure that both sides win and come out with what they need, but that we’re preserving this heritage of these families that have put countless hours and generations into feeding not just America but the world a lot of times.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jana Earp. Jana and I covered quite a few topics in our conversation. Jana talked about her efforts to educate students about where their food comes from. Jana also shared about posting her outfit of the day online. She had lots of corporate wear and wanted to dress in more western clothing and how she incorporates some corporate attire into her everyday western, comfortable outfits. Jana also opened up about her health tragedy that happened and how she needed to go back to the farm to slow down because of what happened.  
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Farming On Purpose, to enter for our one year anniversary giveaways, check out our merch for the podcast, to share your stories, and support other farmers and ranchers.  
 
About our guest: 
Jana was born and raised in Texas and is deeply connected to agriculture, cowboy heritage and the western way of life. She lives on her ranch with her husband, Jimmy where they care for their cattle and the land they cherish. 
Professionally, Jana holds the role of Partnership and Advertising Manager for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Additionally, she serves as President of the Fort Worth Chapter for AG Women Connect, a platform dedicated to promoting education among women in agriculture. Jana is also a founding member of Cowgirls & Cocktails, a movement empowering women in the western and agricultural industries. 
Jana is passionate about sharing the beauty of agriculture and western fashion on her social media platforms. In my free time, Jana enjoys being outdoors, hunting, antiquing and traveling. 
If you are interested in connecting with Jana, visit her Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.  
   
At a glance: Jana Earp - Texas
Jana’s shift back to the farm and why she shares what she does on the farm. 
Population and city growth in Texas and how it affects farms and ranches.  
Cowgirls & Cocktails- a networking group for people interested in the western way of life and those involved or working in agriculture. 
The changes in marketing in agriculture. 
The western fashion site- started showing her outfit of the day mixing her corporate pieces with western wear. 
Jana’s health tragedy. 
 
You may also enjoy…
#26 Point Where You Aim with Ashley Jackson
#37 Looking Beyond Your Starting Point with Karoline Rose Bohannan
#41 Habits & Routines for Your Season With Thea Larsen of Cowgirls Over Coffee
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture. 
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.  
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  
 

Supplementing Farm Income with That Fit Agvocate

“It’s a balancing act of just being your authentic self and figuring that out. As humans we are always evolving, interests change, stages of life change, all of those things. If you look at what I shared 6 or 7 years ago, it’s still the same basis of agriculture but I have changed a lot myself.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrea Flemming. You might know Andrea better as That Fit Agvocate. During our chat, Andrea opened up about her mental health and how fitness started out as an outlet for her anxiety and stress, but evolved into a new lifestyle and career. Andrea also shared about adding more to her plate like adding apparel to her website and doing brand collaborations, and transitioning to a full time fitness coach, then shifting to agriculture advocate. One of Andrea’s passions is farming and ranching with her family, and she talked about what that looks like for her as well as how hard it is to expand the farm with factors like land prices hindering growth.  
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Farming On Purpose, to enter for our one year anniversary giveaways, check out our merch for the podcast, to share your stories, and support other farmers and ranchers.  
 
About our guest: Andrea Flemming, That Fit Agvocate - Minnesota
Andrea is a 5th generation farmer from Southwest Minnesota. She farms alongside her family and husband with corn and soybeans, a commercial cow/calf herd, feedlot and even a fainting goat herd to keep things interesting. Farming with her family wasn't always the plan, but life has a way of throwing challenges at you and the hard moments led her to where she is today - a multi-passionate entrepreneur, or serial entrepreneur as she likes to call it. She started sharing her agriculture journey and story online in 2018 and branded herself as 'That Fit Agvocate,' Since 2018, she has not looked back and her businesses have continued to grow and evolve. Her focus online is to inspire other women to just be their authentic selves and share the day to day life in agriculture to bridge the gap between farmers & ranchers and consumers. In addition to advocating, she also mentors other women with entrepreneurial goals, pours into women in agriculture at events, workshops and retreats and runs masterminds to connect women in agriculture from all over the rural United States. Now you know why she calls herself multi-passionate! 
If you are interested in connecting with Andrea, visit her Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and website.  
   
At a glance:  
How Andrea grew and evolved as an online entrepreneur.  
The importance of mindset work and working on yourself. 
Andrea’s path that led her from being a fitness coach to agriculture advocate and eventually a YouTuber.  
Andrea’s experience farming and ranching with her family and how hard it is to expand with land prices being so high.   
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
 
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.  

Diversifying the Ranch with Jess at Perigo Hay and Cattle

“I think it’s all just a balancing act and just trying to put a pencil to it. We do a lot of penciling because we’re new at this, we’re figuring it out. So what works for our neighbor may not work for us because they’re in a different situation than we are and that’s ok.”  
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jess Trask of Perigo Hay and Cattle. Jess shared about her experience on her family’s hay farm and why they decided to get involved in the cattle industry. Not having a background in cattle, Jess had quite the learning curve to figuring out how to manage their cattle operation. Jess also talked about the importance in learning and always being open to learn new things and adapt. Getting stuck in traditions or how things are always done can be dangerous for a farm or ranch’s success. Jess dropped an exclusive look into a new project they have in the works!   
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Farming On Purpose, to enter for our one year anniversary giveaways, check out our merch for the podcast, to share your stories, and support other farmers and ranchers.  
 
About our guest: Jess Trask, Perigo Hay and Cattle - Nevada
Jess’s parents moved from California to Nevada in the early 2000s to start a hay farm when she was in high school. In 2015, Jess decided to move home to start managing the family cattle ranch. Jess didn't grow up around cows, so it has all been a huge learning curve, but Jess dove in head first: even going back to school to get her Masters in Cattle Nutrition in 2020 (graduating in 2022), along with starting up their direct-to-consumer beef program in 2020. Jess takes great pride in the work she does and she truly loves it.  
 If you are interested in connecting with Jess, visit her Instagram or website.  
 
At a glance:
How hay farmers came to have a hay and cattle operation.
Getting their angus cattle operation verified.
Not letting your family farm become a statistic.
Diversifying the ranch for success.
A sneak peek into what new endeavor Jess and her husband are cooking up!
 
You may also enjoy…
#1 Collaborating for Progress in Ranching with Cassidy Johnston
#5 Tips for Managing your Mindset as a Young Producer
#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 stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Our Farm Transition Story Part 1

 “I think there are still a lot of questions about what the future of the farm is going to look like and what we’re going to do with it. People want to be involved and I’m honestly really grateful for that, that they feel so proud of the family farm, that they want to see things do well and see it succeed and be the beautiful place that they remember it being.” 
For this week’s episode, I wanted to share our farm transition story. In past episodes I mentioned our move and a little about our farm transition, but today I wanted to dive deeper into what that move looked like for our family. I talked about our previous acreage that we bought not long after getting married and the downside of that property. After deciding we needed to move to expand our operation, I shared about our farm shopping experience. Then when we wanted to move forward purchasing my husband’s family farm, there was a lot that went into making that possible as well as renovations that have happened and are still in progress on the family farm. Now we are getting settled and into new routines and continuing to make progress on our forever homestead and farm.   
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Farming On Purpose, to enter for our one year anniversary giveaways, check out our merch for the podcast, to share your stories, and support other farmers and ranchers! 
 
At a glance:  
Our beginning farm and looking into expanding our operation. 
Buying the family farm and the big move. 
 Renovations and the progress we are making on our homestead and farm. 
The future of the farm. 
You may also enjoy…
#18 Kansas Hop Farming and Entrepreneurship with The Tipsy Farmer
#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 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.  
Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts 

Returning to & Growing on the Ranch with Kristin Harms

“I would say the biggest thing is, you definitely have to put your ego aside and your pride and just know that you’re going to do things wrong and you will learn so much more from doing them wrong than doing them right.”  
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kristin Harms. Kristin shared about the transition she and her husband made from having careers outside of agriculture to having active roles in her family’s Red Angus seedstock operation. Sometimes in agriculture, you have to be creative; Kristin shared some tools they use in their operation that are not ag or business specific. Some of you may know Kristin as The Basic Ranch Mom on Instagram. Kristin talked about the importance of having that page and why she started it.  
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Farming On Purpose, to enter for our one year anniversary giveaways, check out our merch for the podcast, to share your stories, and support other farmers and ranchers.  
 
About our guest: Kristin Harms, Bieber Red Angus - South Dakota
Kristin Harms is a ranch wife and marketing specialist on her family’s third generation Red Angus seedstock operation. By day she manages marketing and social media for Bieber Red Angus, and by night she tells her story as the Basic Ranch Mom – sharing real, relatable ranch life from a wife and mom of three. She uses both her business and personal platforms to advocate for the industry, share the day to day of ranch life, and find some laughter in between all the chaos.  
If you are interested in connecting with Kristin, visit her Instagram, their business’s Instagram page, or website.  
   
At a glance:  
Kristin and her family’s roles on their ranch and how they got established. 
Some of the tools they use in their seedstock operation to communicate efficiently and make sure everyone is on the same page. 
Why Kristin created The Basic Ranch Mom Instagram page.  
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
#33 Part Time Farming Goals and Family Farm Succession with Shifting Family Dynamics with Jordan Farquhar
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture. 
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.  
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

The Growing Need for Local Meat Processing with Backyard Butchery

“I had to learn everything the hard way. I was going to the library all the time when I had time to do that. I’m listening to podcasts all the time. I’m trying to network with people like you and find people on social media and compare and just join all these groups where you can ask questions. That’s really how you get through it; you’ve got to find people who are willing to share their knowledge with you and that’ll save you some of the heartache.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tiffany Baxter, owner of Backyard Butchery.  Tiffany talked about how she started her fully mobile butcher shop and some of the obstacles she had to overcome. Tiffany also shared what her farm operation looks like and her plans to expand the farm to hold more animals. Tiffany was very open about sharing what has and hasn’t worked for her, obstacles with Backyard Butchery as well as her own farm operation.   
 
About our guest: 
Tiffany started Freeland Farms in June 2014 and Backyard Butchery in April 2022. Freeland Farms originally involved doing bee removal, contracting for commercial beekeepers nationwide, pollination, and selling whole chicken & turkey. Currently, Tiffany still does bee removals/relocations and pollination contracts, but she also now raises fancy GOS pasture raised pork and shorthorn show cows as well as some beef from those.  
Backyard Butchery is the first fully mobile processing unit for beef, pork, lamb and goat in Oklahoma and Tiffany does all these things solo. She is currently looking to expand Backyard Butchery into wild game by the end of next year. 
If you are interested in connecting with Tiffany, checkout Backyard Butchery website, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.  
 
At a glance: Tiffany Baxter, Backyard Butchery - Oklahoma
Starting Backyard Butchery in Oklahoma and how it evolved from just poultry to a fully mobile butcher shop. 
How difficult it is to get started in agriculture without a background in ag or family support. 
Tiffany’s farm and operation and the learning curve of starting from scratch.
 
You may also enjoy…
#1 Collaborating for Progress in Ranching with Cassidy Johnston
#31 Expanding Local Food Businesses and Food Education with Bruce's Bullseye Farms
#45 Diversifying the Ranch with Jess at Perigo Hay and Cattle
 
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.

Habits & Routines for Your Season With Thea Larsen of Cowgirls Over Coffee

“Having a game plan is going to save you time and money in the long run.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Thea Larsen. Thea opened up about how motherhood changes you and how the help you need as a mom isn’t always logistical. Thea also talked about being a ranch wife and working with your loved ones. Her words of wisdom that confrontation doesn’t have to be conflict and communication are important to maintain healthy and functional relationships with your co-workers that are also your family members. Thea shared about the group she started for rural and western women called Cowgirls Over Coffee, the purpose of which is for women to find their tribe of other women to learn from and lean on.  
 
About our guest: Thea Larson, Cowgirls Over Coffee
Most days, you can find Thea wrangling cows, her two boys and empire-building ambitions out on their ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Thea grew up among the tall pines and deep lakes in the Idaho Panhandle and she left to follow her career taking her to a few different states. Now she is living the ultimate ranch-wife-life in the middle of nowhere.
If you are interested in connecting with Thea, checkout her Instagram and the Cowgirls Over Coffee website.
 
At a glance:
Thea’s early life on a farm to her career in the rodeo then ranch wife and mom.
Being a mom and the heart of her family.
Why Thea started Cowgirls Over Coffee.
Setting the right goals and expectations to be successful.
You may also enjoy…
#13 Self Awareness and Good Movement through the Enneagram with Terryn Drieling
#22 The Power of Positive Perspective in Health & Ranch Business with the Native Cowgirl Cheyenne Glade Wilson
#32 Shifting Perspectives with Michaela Gasseling
 
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.

How I Found Family Centered Off Farm Income

“I love the marketing work that I do. I love solving the problems I get to solve for all the different clients and all the different capacities that I work with. I love that variety.” 
For this week’s episode, I wanted to share my story with you! In most of my previous episodes we got to hear stories from people that have inspired me and I thought it was time to give you a little more insight into my life. I talked about how I started freelancing in college and the jobs I had after graduation. With a young and growing family, I knew I needed to make a career change that more aligned with our goals as a farming family. The transition to being self-employed was scary and full of challenges but for me, was completely worth it. Now our current season of life feels like a dream come true and I’m so excited to continue to share our family’s journey with you all! 
Also, don’t forget to join our Facebook group, Farming On Purpose, to share your stories, support other farmers and ranchers, and stay up to date on our 1 year anniversary fun for the podcast! 
 
At a glance: 
How I got started in freelance marketing.
Growing my family and needing more flexibility in my career.
The evolution of my marketing business and the highs and lows of being a business owner. 
 
You may also enjoy…
#8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
#21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger
#36 Farm Moms and The Comparison Game
 
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. 

Making Rural Food Decisions - Trends, Stress, Change, Nutrition, and Dietary Guidelines with Dr. Bailee Cooper

“Stress plays just as big of role as if I were to take every chemical out of my home because that is one more thing that I have to do, that I’m worried about, that’s increasing my anxiety, increasing my cortisol level and I already know that I’m at-risk for cancer and diabetes and both of those are connected to stress.”  
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bailee Cooper. Bailee is a licensed and registered dietitian and she explained some of her research and a published article she wrote. A big topic in our discussion was food trends. We discussed what food trends have come and gone and Bailee explains why it’s important to have certain foods in your diet. Bailee also highlighted that stress is something you want to avoid because high cortisol levels can wreak havoc on your body and organs. 
 
About our guest: Bailee Cooper, Rural Health Education
Bailee has been a registered and licensed dietitian for eight years. She received her doctorate from North Dakota State University in Exercise Science and Nutrition. Bailee is passionate about providing nutrition education for rural areas in topics such as diabetes, heart disease and sports nutrition. Bailee currently resides in west Texas raising and training performance horses with her husband.
If you are interested in connecting with Bailee, checkout her Instagram and website. 
 
At a glance: 
Bailee’s research and an article she wrote focusing on women’s diets. 
Food trends and making sure trendy influencers have the correct information. 
Why stress is an important factor to keep an eye on and what affects it has on the body. 
Bailee’s advice on how to make changes to you or your family’s diet.
You may also enjoy…
#23 Our Food Supply Chain and the Farm to Fork Gap of Food Accessibility
#31 Expanding Local Food Businesses and Food Education with Bruce's Bullseye Farms
#35 Local Food: A System, Not a Trend with Rick McNary of Shop Kansas Farms
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

How to Make Growing Your Local Ag Business Easier with Sammy Gleason

“You’re helping your neighbor. You’re keeping your community going and you’re helping your neighbor and that’s just awesome.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sammy Gleason. My path has crossed with Sammy’s a few times personally and professionally so it was fun to get to have her on the podcast. Sammy is the marketing manager for the From the Land of Kansas program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture and she shared what it is that she does and what the program does to help farmers, growers, and producers in Kansas. Sammy also dove into some of the benefits of being a member of From the Land of Kansas and how to become a member. If that is something you are interested in learning more about, check out the From the Land of Kansas website or reach out to the office. Also, don’t forget to check out some of the upcoming events Sammy mentioned to help support local Kansas farmers, growers, and producers.  
 
About our guest: Sammy Gleason, From the Land of Kansas - Kansas
Sammy is the marketing manager for the From the Land of Kansas program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. She grew up in a rural community as a farmer’s daughter in North Central Kansas and is now married raising four spirited children on a homestead of her own in Eastern Kansas. Her passion for rural communities and building relationships has led her to where she is today.
If you are interested in connecting with Sammy at From the Land of Kansas or learning more about the program, visit the Facebook page, Instagram, or the website. 
 
At a glance: 
Sammy’s passion for agriculture makes her position at From the Land of Kansas a perfect fit by helping farmers and producers in Kansas.
More in depth explanation of what From the Land of Kansas is, the benefits of being a member, and how to become a member.
Find a farmers’ market near you on the Kansas Farmer’s Market Directory
Some upcoming events that From the Land of Kansas is going to be at or hosting.
Eat. Drink. Shop. Kansas at Liquid Art Winery in Manhattan, KS August 6th, 2023
The Kansas State Fair in the Pride of Kansas Building.
Sign up for the From the Land of Kansas newsletter to be in the know for upcoming opportunities, grants, and events.
Kansas businesses mentioned in this episode:
The Pickle Cottage
Wright’s Sunflower Oil
Bruce’s Bullseye Farms
Wilken’s Acres
Alma Cheese
Spice It Up
Wholly Cow Market
Cocoavino
You may also enjoy…
#15 Developing Routines for Ranch Roles and Profitability with Marli Scarborough
#25 Our Food Decision Impacts on Food Insecurity
#35 Local Food: A System, Not a Trend with Rick McNary of Shop Kansas Farms
 
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright: 
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media. 
Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.