Farming on Purpose

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. 

Looking Beyond Your Starting Point with Karoline Rose Bohannan

“We like to consider ourselves a one-stop-shop, which I think is a phrase I probably started in agriculture marketing that a lot of places use now. To give an idea, we had a customer call and say they forgot to pick up donuts and asked if we could stop and bring donuts, and we said, ‘Yep’. We want to be the call they make and we want to provide that service.” 
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Karoline Rose Bohannan. I have known and worked with Karoline for years and it was so fun to have her be on the podcast. Karoline shared the how and why behind the three businesses she’s started so far as well as why it is important for her and her businesses to help the next generation of farmers and ranchers. There’s always lots to do as a business owner and Karoline gave some insight on how she tackles her to-do list. 
 
About our guest: Karoline Rose Bohannan, KRose Company - Montana
Karoline is the leader and heart of KRose Company. She prefers to spend her days in sale barns or on the ranch, but she’s a pro at working from anywhere and will pour her heart into taking care of her clients. 
If you are interested in connecting with Karoline, visit her Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to check out the KRose website, the CattlemenU website, and The Rancher’s Daughter website.  
 
At a glance: 
Karoline’s family involvement in agriculture and the start of her businesses, KRose, CattlemenU, and The Rancher’s Daughter.
Doing things to ensure the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
Karoline’s typical day to day endeavors. 
How Karoline’s health scare in high school helped shape her life. 
You may also enjoy…
#4 The Power of Courage in Farm Management Discussions with Elaine Froese
#26 Point Where You Aim with Ashley Jackson
#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. 

Farm Moms and The Comparison Game

“I think it’s good to review every once in a while and make sure that the daily routine that we have matches up with our priorities and how we actually want to spend our time on a day to day basis.” 
For this week’s episode, I switched things up a bit and am flying solo. Seeing lots of moms, ranch moms, farm moms, etc. on social media, it’s hard not to compare their life to yours, and that comparison is something I wanted to talk about. While I don’t think it is fair to you to compare yourself to another mom on social media because we don’t get to see the behind-the-scenes to her life, comparison can be beneficial in a different way. Being able to hear someone else’s story and how they tackle everyday challenges gives you an opportunity to potentially try something new or see a new way to handle an obstacle. I hope listening to my typical daily routine gives you an opportunity to try something new or I would love to hear from you if you have any suggestions for me! 
 
At a glance: 
It’s ok to compare, just not your everyday with someone else’s highlight reel.
My everyday routine as a farm mom to a young family and as a business owner.
Focusing on the big priority items and keeping my inner dialog in check. 
You may also enjoy…
#8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
#9 Comparing our Capacity as Farm Moms
#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 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. 

Local Food: A System, Not a Trend with Rick McNary of Shop Kansas Farms

“I think understanding how things are grown and letting the farmer tell you will calm a lot of the fears placed in people by the major corporations.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rick McNary. Rick used to be a pastor and had the chance to go to Nicaragua on a mission trip. His experience from that trip sparked a passion to connect more people with food. Rick shared how he and his wife started Shop Kansas Farms as a way to give people access to locally grown/produced food and help people learn where their food comes from. Rick also discussed the Harvest Hub project in Rice county, another project to connect people with local food and products.   
 
About our guest: Rick McNary, Shop Kansas Farms - Kansas
Rick McNary is a writer, photographer, global hunger expert and founder of a remarkable new Facebook group known as Shop Kansas Farms. For 20 years, he served as a pastor of a church in Potwin, Kansas. After going on a mission trip and interacting with starving people in Nicaragua, he organized a humanitarian food relief organization. Today, he is still involved in such efforts through The Outreach Program, a non-profit that organizes food packaging events across the country. Rick has published three books. Many of his articles have been published in Kansas Farm Bureau’s Kansas Living magazine.
If you are interested in connecting with Rick, check out his website or visit the Shop Kansas Farms Facebook page.  
 
At a glance: 
Rick’s missionary experience in Nicaragua. 
How Shop Kansas Farms got started and why Rick and his wife wanted to create Shop Kansas Farms.
Harvest Hub in Rice county and how local might not mean the same thing to everyone.
Things Rick wished the general public knew about their local food system. 
You may also enjoy…
#27 Market Shifts in Direct to Consumer Marketing in the Beef Industry
#30 Alaskan Agriculture and a look at the Remote Food Supply Chain
#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, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Irons in the Fire with Ranch Mom Jesse Thompson

“I still would like to share stories for rural women written by rural women because I feel like it brings people together and makes us feel like we’re not alone in our situation. We live a very unique lifestyle, like it’s one thing to be a mom or a wife, but it’s a whole other added thing to be a farm wife or mom, or a ranch wife or mom. We literally live where we work and work where we live.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jesse Thompson. To me, Jesse feels like a kindred spirit so it was such a joy to listen to her story and hear about her season of life. Jesse shared about her experiences as a ranch wife and mom and the changes she went through from growing up on her family “franch” to her ranch now with her husband and children. Jesse also talked about the joy cooking brings her and why she tries to make as much as she can from scratch. Being a ranch wife and mom is no simple task, especially while also having a job off the ranch, so Jesse shares a few methods that work for her to keep her household running. 
 
About our guest: Jesse Thompson, Beyond the Fencelines - Montana
Jesse was born and raised as a farmer's daughter and is now married to a rancher and raising their 3 kids on the family ranch in Northern Montana. When she’s not chasing kids or supporting her husband on the ranch, she’s working as the Executive Administrator for the Montana Angus Association and publishing the Montana Angus News. 
If you are interested in connecting with Jesse, check out her Instagram and website.  
 
At a glance: 
The shift from the “franch” Jesse grew up on with lots of family around to her ranch with her husband and children, further away from town and family. 
Raising kids on the ranch now that they’re older and can tag long and help out more.
Jesse’s learned joy for cooking along with the obstacles of having picky eaters and gluten-free family members.
How Jesse manages all her irons in the fire with batch working. 
You may also enjoy…
#8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett
#20 Farm Kid Parenting and Moving the Farm Across State Lines with Kerissa Taylor of 1984 Farms
#21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger
 
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. 

Part Time Farming Goals and Family Farm Succession with Shifting Family Dynamics

“It’s great that we get to bring in Michael’s family’s experience and we’re taking building blocks from that family, but we’re also passing on lessons. With every experience comes a lesson.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jordan Farquhar. Jordan and her husband Michael farm in rural Alberta, Canada with Michael’s family. Jordan shared what farm succession looks like for them and the key to a smooth transition is communication. Jordan explained what their current cattle operation looks like and how they plan to expand and grow their herd. Growing up, Jordan did not have much exposure to farm life until she met Michael and now she’s a part time farmer and soon to be mom to raise the next generation on their family farm.
About our guest: Jordan Farquhar - Canada
Jordan is a part time farmer, full time paramedic, and soon to be new mom. Growing up in suburbia, Jordan had never experienced life on the farm outside the school field trips until she met her now husband, Michael. They live in rural Northern Alberta, Canada, where they have a small cow/crop operation of 30 head and 120 acres of grain and hay land of their own. They are also heavily involved in Michael's larger family farm.
At a glance:
Farm succession and how much goes into that transitional process.
The docs of Jordan’s family farm and the vision they have for their future farm.
Complications from this year’s calving season and their cattle operation.
Jordan’s life off the farm as a paramedic and how it fits into their farming operation dynamic.
You may also enjoy…
#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
#40 How I Found Family Centered Off Farm Income
 
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.

Shifting Perspectives with Michaela Gasseling

“I’m a big fan of ‘and’ instead of ‘but’. So it’s ok to say that was incredibly traumatic and I’m incredibly grateful for how it all happened and all the blessings.”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michaela Gasseling. Michaela talked about some of her big life events, like being an ultrasound technician, then her and her husband deciding to move back to his family’s farm, and her emergency brain surgery after the birth of  her fourth child. Michaela also shared the perspective shift that came after her recovery and how that has shaped the life she lives now. 
About our guest: Michaela Gasseling
Michaela Gasseling is a writer, speaker, farm wife, and mom to four kids. After growing up on a farm, she moved to the city to pursue a career as an ultrasound technologist, where she found success but knew something was missing, so she and her husband Matt returned to their roots, and on Matt’s grandparents’ homestead together they raise those beautiful kiddos, cattle and crops. Michaela is passionate about sharing her experience of how suffering, emergency brain surgery, recovery, and most importantly, hope brought her to a life of unexpected abundance. It’s here in the everyday ordinary that she has become skilled at finding joy and wants to help others see that an abundant fulfilled life is waiting for you too.If you are interested in connecting with Michaela, check out her Instagram. 
At a glance:
Michaela and her husband’s life before they decided to move to the family farm.
The traumatic event after Michaela’s last birth and how she and her family made it through that scary time. 
How to live abundantly in the everyday ordinary of life on the farm.
Michaela mentioned her enneagram type and a previous episode with Terryn Dreiling.
You may also enjoy…
#3 An Individual Approach to Ag and Rural Mental Health
#17 Mental Health is Not a Dirty Word in Agriculture with Jason Medows
#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 @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.

Expanding Local Food Businesses and Food Education with Bruce’s Bullseye Farms

“If we could come together, our community is not going to have to worry about what happens on the coast to not get us the food we need to sustain ourselves. Why do we have to look so far away for food when it’s right here in our backyard?”
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Laurie Bruce, co-owner of Bruce's Bullseye Farms. Laurie and her husband are first-generation farmers and are working on expanding their farming operation. One way they are expanding is with Laurie’s commercial kitchen. Laurie shared how it started with her making sand plum jam and jelly for friends and family and grew to a commercial kitchen where Laurie makes all kinds of farm-to-table products. Laurie also talked about the value of being able to provide for yourself and your family with products from their farm, especially when remembering the food supply issues during COVID and the current prices of food.
About our guest: Laurie Bruce, Bruce’s Bullseye Farms - Kansas
Laurie is co-owner along with her husband of Bruce's Bullseye Farms. They are a first generation farm located outside of Augusta, Kansas. Currently, they have a small herd of black angus cattle, a few dairy cows, and chickens. They  focus on the value added aspect of their farm and run a commercial kitchen in Leon, Kansas where they produce a wide variety of jams and jellies, apple butter, beer bread mixes, made from scratch bierocks using their own beef, and more! Currently, Laurie is also an adjunct instructor at Butler Community College in the Culinary Arts Department.
If you are interested in connecting with Laurie, check out her Facebook or to see their products, check out their website.
At a glance:
How Bruce's Bullseye Farms farm got started.
Building up Laurie’s commercial kitchen and some of her products.
Making the farm a family endeavor and being self-sustaining. 
Food accessibility and food education. 
You may also enjoy…
#5 Tips for Managing your Mindset as a Young Producer
#29 Bridging the Gap in Ag Culture with Megan Larson
#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 @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.