Farming on Purpose

 “I think we have to figure out what makes sense for ourselves. And for the amount of effort that we're putting in are we going to reach our goals? Are we going to get there realistically on a timeframe that makes sense? And how does that impact other people in our lives? That can be a very challenging conversation to have with yourself, but I think it is one that is worth having.” 

As farmers and ranchers, we're no strangers to hard work. But these days, many of us are finding ourselves working even harder - both...

 “I believe that farming and agriculture give us an incredible sense of purpose because we have a job to do and we show up to do it every day.”  

In farming, family life and business often mix together. We're not just running farms – we're raising families and shaping futures. Today, I'm sharing my journey of balancing motherhood and running a business in agriculture. 

The Motherhood Motivation 

"What I mean when I say I have four kids" – this phrase I often use means more than just how many children I have. It represents why...

“I think we just respect each other’s time and we know we both are trying our hardest and some days are better than others.”  

Join us in this inspiring episode of Farming on Purpose with Sumiko and Harrison Mills. Sumiko and Harrison share about their background and how they got started on their ranch. They openly talk about the renovations they undertook themselves and what a long journey that was. They also share details about the opening of their Butcher Barn and some of the things they’ve learned along the way. Listen in as we talk about...

“Learning to recognize the season you’re in is the first half of this and learning to live in the season you’re in is the second half.” 

Join us in this midsummer episode of Farming on Purpose. In this solo episode I’m going to share some of The Lazy Genius principles that have helped me over the last few years. This lifestyle shift has helped me in more ways than one and I feel is pretty applicable to farm life, mom life, and being a business owner. Listen in as I go through some of the princip...

“I think it’s about figuring out what you’re doing already and finding a home for what you’re already doing.” 

While some of the ideas presented in this episode may be different, it's important to recognize that in order for a business to be sustainable, it must also be profitable. This episode presents ideas to consider in food marketing that you may not have considered before. 

Join us in this informative episode of Farming on Purpose with Ali Cox. Ali shares about her family’s history in agriculture and her journey back to agriculture on...

“You have to believe in what you’re doing and everyone involved has to believe and agree.” 

Join us in this powerful episode of Farming on Purpose with Harry Frederick. Harry shares about the journey to start their sheep operation in Kentucky. Sheep were not common in their area when they got started so there were some snags they had to iron out, but now they get to help out other sheep farmers with their knowledge and working dogs. Border Collies are utilized on the farm to help corral and drive the sheep and they are trained on the...

“It’s the season of life we’re in right now and we’re making it work.” 

Join us in this powerful episode of Farming on Purpose with Amanda. Amanda shares about her family’s operation and the cattle operation that her and her husband own and run. Amanda delves into the different avenues she has pursued not only for additional off-the-farm income, but to fulfill her own passions. Amanda offers great advice about finding your priorities and making sure what you’re doing aligns with those priorities. Amanda is passionate about fighting to help farmers and ranchers as wel...

“Being authentic has really paid off for us. Not necessarily directly in our business, I don’t know that it’s affected our bottom line, maybe it has,... but people love to see people that they can relate to.” 

Join us in this enjoyable episode of Farming on Purpose with Macey. Macey shares about owning a cow calf operation with her mom and sister and how the family dynamics changed as the business grew. Macey talks about the importance of having and building a supportive community that you can go to ask learn and ask questions without judgment...

“Anybody who is at all a part of agriculture, at all a part of direct-to-consumer knows that there is a lot of money that goes into this.” 

Join us in this insightful episode of Farming on Purpose with Amanda. Amanda shares about finding her place on a multigenerational cow calf operation. Amanda opens up about what led her to start selling their beef directly to consumers. Amanda delves into how diversifying your operation can mean different things and reveals some realistic reasons for needing more than one stream of income. Listen in as we delve a variety of to...

“I never saw this coming. I never saw the opportunity to come back full circle and continue that.”  

Join us in this enjoyable episode of Farming on Purpose with Jess Perez. Jess shares about her family’s history being farmers, how her and her husband moved for his law career, and how Jess found her way back to agriculture. Jess opens up about running a cow/calf operation, getting into selling their beef direct to consumers, and some of the hurdles they’ve faced along the way. Jess also talks about marketing online, sharing your life and story to...