Welcome back to Beyond the Crops! Summer is in full swing, and for Jena and Mary Pat, it's been... dense. In this candid catch-up, they share the highs, lows, and hilarious chaos of a summer packed with family, travel, and unexpected health deep dives.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Catching up on a "dense but good" summer filled with intentional family time.
✅ Navigating grief and family togetherness, plus a hilarious "beef stick in the ear" funeral moment.
✅ The hilarious reality of toddler life, AKA living with a "feral raccoon."
✅ Fair life: Jena's first year as a 4-H mom vs. Mary Pat's demolition derby past.
✅ Jena's 10-year anniversary photos in her wedding dress.
✅ Health deep dives: Mary Pat’s vertigo update and Jena’s surprising 10-day detox results.
✅ Uncovering family heirlooms, from a vintage waffle maker to a canning hutch.
✅ Farm updates: Ag PhD Field Day chaos, garden wins, and timely rains.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Intentionality is key for a chaotic but happy summer.
✨ Family and humor are essential for navigating grief.
✨ Don't be afraid to advocate for your health and explore new solutions.
✨ Family heirlooms connect us to our past and find new purpose in the present.
✨ Embracing the chaos is the only way to survive (and enjoy) life with young kids.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What's been the highlight of your "dense" summer? Share your stories and tag us @beyondthecrops_!

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As the largest family-owned retail seed company in the US, Beck's is built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture. Learn more about their commitment to helping farmers succeed at beckshybrids.com.

#DenseSummer #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FamilyTime #GriefAndHealing #CountyFair #HealthJourney #Detox #ParentingRealTalk #SummerAdventures

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Jena and Mary Pat share a conversation sparked by recent life events that have them thinking about legacy, the passage of time, and the ever-present challenge of managing screen time in a hyper-connected world. After the loss of both of her grandmothers just eight days apart, Jena shares the poignant realization that it often takes a funeral to bring the whole family together, leading to a heartfelt discussion about being truly present with the ones we love.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Jena shares the recent loss of her two beloved grandmothers.
✅ Reflecting on the legacy of their screen-free grandmothers' generation.
✅ Modeling healthy tech boundaries for our children.
✅ The challenge of having a phone-based job while parenting young kids.
✅ Actionable tips for reducing your own screen time 
✅ Startling statistics on how often we really check our phones.
✅ The addictive, intentional design of social media and video games.
✅ Encouragement to be more intentional, even when it's hard.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ The time we have with loved ones is finite. Being present is a choice we must actively and intentionally make every day.
✨ Our relationship with our phones is what our children will model. Healthy boundaries and intentional disconnection start with us.
✨ Small, practical changes—like turning off notifications or moving apps off your home screen—can significantly reduce mindless scrolling and create space for real life.
✨ Meaningful memories are often built in the simple, screen-free moments—cooking in the kitchen, playing outside, or just being fully together.
✨ Don't wait for a major life event to prioritize family. Put the phone down, be present, and "call your grandma."

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As farmers, we pour so much trust into every decision. That's why we're proud to partner with Beck's Hybrids, a company built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937. Learn more at beckshybrids.com.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
This episode is a powerful reminder for all of us. What's one boundary you're setting with your phone to be more present with your family this week? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#ScreenTime #DigitalDetox #BeingPresent #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #Parenting #FamilyLegacy #Grandparents #IntentionalLiving #RuralLife

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Did you know a staggering 80% of farmers don't plan to fully retire, creating huge risks for the farm and family. In this crucial succession episode, we're tackling the tough questions about what happens when you can no longer work. Mary Pat and Jena are joined by ag economist Jessica Groff, to debunk financial myths and reveal the four essential estate documents every adult needs now to protect their legacy.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Why 80% of farmers don't plan to fully retire.
✅ Moving beyond the "the farm is my retirement" mindset.
✅ Planning for the staggering costs of long-term care.
✅ Debunking common retirement account myths.
✅ Retirement accounts designed for farmers (like the Solo 401k).
✅ The importance of building your professional "dream team."
✅ Asking the powerful question: "What is enough?"
✅ Why Mom can't be left out of the succession plan.
✅ The four essential estate documents every adult needs NOW.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Your body will likely make the retirement choice for you before you're ready. Planning ahead ensures the farm and your family are protected when you physically can no longer work.
✨ Building a trusted team of professionals (attorney, CPA, financial advisor) is non-negotiable for navigating the complexities of succession, retirement, and long-term care planning.
✨ Retirement accounts are flexible tools that can reduce tax liability, provide income for older generations, take pressure off the farm, and even help equalize inheritance for non-farming heirs.
✨ The most crucial, immediate step every adult should take is to establish the four basic estate planning documents: a will, a power of attorney, a power of attorney for healthcare, and a healthcare directive.
✨ Ask the tough questions now: "What is enough?" and "What do our sunset years look like?" These conversations are vital for creating a plan that serves every generation.

🔗 Connect with Our Guest:
Find Jessica and her incredible resources on Instagram @JessicaGroff. You can also find her free articles, webinars, and podcasts by searching for her name on the University of Nebraska Extension website.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As farmers, we pour so much trust into every decision. That's why we're proud to partner with Beck's Hybrids, a company built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937. From localized support to research-backed insights, Beck's is committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more at beckshybrids.com.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What's one question this episode sparked for you about your own family's retirement or succession plan? What's one step you're taking to get the conversation started? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#SuccessionPlanning #FarmRetirement #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #EstatePlanning #WomenInAg #FarmFinance #FamilyFarm #GenerationalTransition #FinancialPlanning #LongTermCare

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they "think outside the box" with special guest and agronomist, Faith Pearson. In this eye-opening conversation, Faith Pierson (aka "The Crunchy Agronomist") challenges conventional wisdom and draws fascinating parallels between holistic human health and the health of our soil.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Holistic Soil Health vs. Traditional Agronomy
✅ Rethinking the Soil Test
✅ The "Makeup" Effect of Nitrogen
✅ The "Fence Row Effect"
✅ Challenging "The Way We've Always Done It"
✅ A Candid Conversation About Roundup (Glyphosate):
* Its history (did you know it was originally an industrial pipe cleaner?).
* How it works as a chelator and its potential impact on crops and soil biology.
* The importance of stewarding chemistries to combat weed resistance.
* Discussing how it's possible to farm with less, or even without, Roundup.
✅ Faith's "Hot Take": Her biggest challenge to the industry revolves around nitrogen rates and rethinking what's enough versus what's too much.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Just like in human health, addressing the root cause of an issue in the soil is more effective and sustainable than repeatedly treating the symptom.
✨ Traditional soil tests may not be giving you the full picture. A more holistic test can reveal your true limiting factors and prevent you from applying inputs that aren't providing a return on investment.
✨ Over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers can disrupt the natural soil microbiome, making your farm more dependent on inputs over time.
✨ Challenging "the way we've always done it" and being open to new methods is crucial for long-term soil health, resilience to weather events, and farm profitability.
✨ Taking one small, informed step—like getting a different kind of soil test—is the best way to begin the journey toward a healthier, more resilient farming operation.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. Built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937, Beck's is committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. From localized support to research-backed insights, learn more about what they offer at beckshybrids.com.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What did you find most interesting about this conversation? Are you rethinking how you look at your own soil health? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

You can connect with Faith on X (formerly Twitter) @FaithLois12.

#SoilHealth #Agronomy #RegenerativeAg #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #WomenInAg #FarmingForTheFuture #HaneyTest #TheCrunchyAgronomist #Roundup #Glyphosate #FarmLife #Beckshybrids #Sponsored

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this special episode, Mary Pat takes the host chair and brings on her husband, Josh, for a fun and lighthearted Q&A session. They pulled questions directly from listeners on Instagram, covering everything from this season's crop updates and farm dynamics to raising kids on the farm and keeping a marriage strong.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

• If you want to be more involved in the farm operation, you have to voice it. Start the conversation and be flexible with the role you're given.
• Open communication is the cornerstone of balancing work and marriage on the farm. Support each other's passions and find ways to work as a team.
• It's possible to be a conventional farmer and still embrace a holistic lifestyle. The conversation is nuanced, and it's okay to question practices while still using necessary tools.
• When raising kids on the farm, your attitude is everything. Show them you love what you do, and they're more likely to find joy in it too.
• Whether it's farm meetings or family dinners, having some structure can help manage expectations and create intentional time for connection.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What's one question you'd love to ask a farmer or a farm husband? Send us a DM and let us know! Tag us @beyondthecrops_.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As farmers, we pour so much trust into every decision. That's why we're proud to partner with Beck's Hybrids, a company built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937. From localized support to research-backed insights, Beck's is committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more at beckshybrids.com.

#FarmCouple #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #AskAFarmer #FarmerHusband #MarriageOnTheFarm #FarmQandA #CarnivoreDiet #RaisingKidsOnTheFarm #FamilyFarm #Sponsored

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they dive into a conversation that’s close to the heart of every farm family: prioritizing family time amidst the never-ending demands of the farm.

With their different living situations—Jena on the farm and Mary Pat off—they offer unique perspectives on a universal challenge. They discuss the guilt, the blurred lines, and the intentional strategies they've developed to protect their family relationships and create lasting memories when it feels like the work is never done.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

• Prioritizing family time on the farm is a conscious choice and a planned effort, not something that happens by accident.
• There's no one-size-fits-all solution. A structured approach (scheduled days off) can work just as well as a fluid one (spontaneous time away), depending on your farm's needs and family dynamics.
• Protect the relationships at all costs. The farm is important, but faith and family are the true foundation.
• Incorporate simple, consistent family rituals, like "High Low Buffalo" at dinner or taking Sundays off, to create intentional space for connection.
• It’s okay to break from "how it's always been done" to create a system that works better for your generation and protects your family's well-being.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What’s one way your family prioritizes time together during the busy seasons? Do you have a structured plan or do you go with the flow? Send us a DM and share your story! Tag us @beyondthecrops_.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As farmers, we pour so much trust into every decision. That's why we're proud to partner with Beck's Hybrids, a company built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937. From localized support to research-backed insights, Beck's is committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more at beckshybrids.com.

#FarmLife #FamilyFarm #PrioritizingFamily #FarmWife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyTime #Farming #GenerationalFarming #MarriageOnTheFarm #FarmRelationships #Sponsored

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this powerful episode, hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are welcoming back a trusted expert in farm family dynamics, Elaine Froese. Elaine is a certified farm family coach, author, and speaker who specializes in helping families have the hard conversations necessary for a successful farm transition. This time, they're moving beyond initial communication and diving deep into the essential structures, mindsets, and actionable steps needed to create a lasting legacy and find harmony on the farm.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

• Procrastination and conflict avoidance are killing agriculture. The best time to start transition planning is now, before a crisis forces your hand.
• Transition planning is NOT a DIY project. A neutral, skilled facilitator or coach is crucial for navigating tough conversations and keeping the process on track.
• Separate your meetings. Have regular operational meetings for the business team and intentional strategic meetings for the entire family to discuss vision, roles, and legacy.
• Emotion has a place in these conversations. Approaching negotiations with a positive, cooperative spirit leads to better communication and outcomes.
• Start with vision, not tactics. Understand what everyone wants for their life and the farm's future before getting bogged down in legal and financial details.
• Don't wait. You are never too young (or too old) to start planting the seeds for a successful farm transition.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What's one small step you can take this month to move your farm's transition plan forward? Have you ever worked with a facilitator? We'd love to hear your story! Tag us @beyondthecrops_.

Find Elaine Froese : Home - Elaine Froese | Canada’s Farm Whisperer | Your go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition

Elaine’s Podcast: Farm Family Harmony Podcast - Elaine Froese | Canada’s Farm Whisperer | Your go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition

Beyond Reason book: Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate

Ranching for Profit School - Learn how to transform your ranch.

BetterHelp | Professional Therapy With A Licensed Therapist

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. Built on faith, family, and a deep love for agriculture since 1937, Beck's is the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the US. They are committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more about their story and offerings at beckshybrids.com.

#FarmTransition #SuccessionPlanning #FarmFamily #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #FamilyBusiness #FarmSuccession #AgLegacy #Communication #ElaineFraise #FarmCoach #Agriculture

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, for an intentional conversation about a topic every farmer knows intimately: the weather. But this isn't just another weather report. They're diving into how weather impacts not just our operations, but also our hearts and emotions, and how we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and faith through it all.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✨ Weather is an uncontrollable force in farming that deeply impacts schedules, operations, and emotions.
✨ It's crucial to acknowledge and process the difficult emotions that come with weather-related challenges, but also to cultivate resilience and not let them rule your heart.
✨ Faith is an anchor in the unpredictable world of farming. Trusting in a plan bigger than our own can bring peace amidst the storms.
✨ Building mental, physical, and spiritual well-being during less stressful times equips us to better handle adversity when it strikes.
✨ Community and support are invaluable, especially when facing the aftermath of severe weather.
✨ Starting your day with intention (like reading God's word before engaging with the world) can significantly shift your mindset and reduce anxiety.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
How has weather impacted your farm or your emotions this season? What are your go-to strategies for staying resilient and hopeful when facing unpredictable conditions? Share your stories and insights with us in our Instagram DMs @beyondthecrops_.

#FarmWeather #ResilienceInAg #FaithAndFarming #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #MindsetMatters #WeatherWoes #CommunitySupport #RuralLife #MotherSonTrip #WyomingAdventures #WordBeforeWorld

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. Built on faith, family, and a deep love for agriculture since 1937, Beck's is the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the US. They are committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more about their story and offerings at beckshybrids.com.

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this unique and enlightening episode, Jena is joined by a very special guest: her brother, Joe! Joe is a Navy veteran who served as a nuclear operator on an aircraft carrier and now works in civilian nuclear power. He's here to demystify nuclear energy, address common concerns, and explain why it's a crucial, safe, and reliable part of our energy future, especially for rural communities.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✨ Nuclear power is a remarkably safe, efficient, and reliable source of carbon-free energy with a much smaller environmental and land footprint than often perceived.
✨ The public perception of nuclear energy has been heavily influenced by a few major incidents and media portrayals, often overshadowing the facts about its safety record and benefits.
✨ Understanding the true risks and benefits of different energy sources is crucial for informed discussions about our energy future.
✨ Nuclear energy plays a vital role in providing baseload power, ensuring grid stability, especially when intermittent renewables are not producing.
✨ Talk to the people who work in the industry! They are often the best source of factual information.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What did you learn about nuclear power in this episode? Did anything surprise you? Share your thoughts and any questions you might have for Joe by DMing us @beyondthecrops_.

#NuclearPower #EnergyFacts #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #NavyNuke #CleanEnergy #SustainableEnergy #RuralAmerica #FarmLife #EnergyEducation #DebunkingMyths #PoweringTheFuture

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. Built on faith, family, and a deep love for agriculture since 1937, Beck's is the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the US. They are committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more about their story and offerings at beckshybrids.com.

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they take a candid look back at their very different journeys into becoming farm wives. From big city dreams to growing up on a dairy farm, they share their unique perspectives, the lessons learned over nearly a decade (for Jena, a 10-year anniversary is just days away!), and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating the complexities of marrying into a farm family.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Jena and Mary Pat share their distinctly different paths to becoming farm wives.
✅ They discuss the realities and adjustments of early marriage within a farm family.
✅ The infamous "farm laundry" debate and game-changing mother-in-law advice is revealed.
✅ Valuable lessons learned and heartfelt advice are offered for new (or aspiring) farm wives.
✅ They explore the journey of finding your unique place and voice within a multi-generational farm.
✅ The critical role of communication, especially with your spouse, in navigating farm family dynamics is highlighted.
✅ Jena and Mary Pat emphasize being open to God's evolving plan for your life and role.
✅ The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing family time amidst farm demands is discussed.
✅ They underscore the power of connecting with other farm women for support and understanding.
✅ Listeners are reminded to have grace for themselves and enjoy the journey of farm wife life.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Every farm wife's journey is unique, shaped by her background, her husband's farm, and the family dynamics involved.
✨ Open communication with your spouse is paramount; they are often the best bridge to navigating conversations with the wider farm family.
✨ It's okay to not know everything when you marry into a farm. Be curious, ask questions, and be patient with yourself as you learn and grow into your role.
✨ Don't be afraid to advocate for your needs and the needs of your immediate family, even if it means challenging long-standing traditions (respectfully, of course).
✨ Finding a community of other farm women, whether in person or online, can provide invaluable support, understanding, and encouragement.
✨ Trust God's timing and be open to how your role and life may evolve. What you envision today might not be what brings you the most fulfillment tomorrow.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! If you're a farm wife, what's one piece of advice you'd give to your newlywed self? Or, if you're new to farm life, what's one question you have? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As farmers, we pour so much trust into every decision. That's why we're proud to partner with Beck's Hybrids, a company built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937. From localized support to research-backed insights, Beck's is committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more at beckshybrids.com.

#FarmWifeLife #MarryingAFarmer #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmFamilyDynamics #NewlywedsOnTheFarm #FarmLifeAdvice #CommunicationInMarriage #FindingYourPlace #RuralWomen #Agriculture #FaithAndFarming