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

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, for a candid and inspiring conversation about making big, intentional changes to remove chaos and prioritize what truly matters. Jena drops some significant news about shifts on their farm and in their family life, leading to a heartfelt discussion about choosing your hard, trusting God's plan, and the courage to pivot.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Big Changes on the Ochsner Farm:
* Selling the Sprayer
* Shifting the Calving Date
* The Homeschool Decision
✅ Removing Chaos & Choosing Your Hard
✅ The Power of an Open Hand
✅ Mary Pat's Perspective
✅ It Doesn't Have to Be Permanent

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Sometimes, removing chaos means making bold, unconventional decisions that prioritize family well-being and time over financial savings or traditional paths.
✨ "Choose your hard." Every path has its challenges, but choosing the "hard" that aligns with your values and long-term goals can lead to greater peace and fulfillment.
✨ Listen to your heart and God's prompting. What might seem overwhelming or impossible can become clear when you're open to change and trust the process.
✨ Don't underestimate the value of your time. Reclaiming hours spent on logistical necessities can open up incredible opportunities for connection and learning.
✨ It's okay to pivot. If a current situation isn't serving your family well, have the courage to explore alternatives, even if they seem daunting at first.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What big or small changes have you made (or are considering) to remove chaos from your life? What does "choosing your hard" look like for you right now? 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.

#RemovingChaos #FarmLifeChanges #HomeschoolingJourney #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #FaithAndFarming #IntentionalLiving #FamilyFirst #ChoosingYourHard #FarmLifeBalance #OxidativeStress #CalvingSeason #Spraying

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they officially kick off summer! With the kids now out of school, they dive into the joys and challenges of shifting family rhythms, managing kids at home, and finding ways to embrace the beautiful chaos of summer.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Summer Has Begun!
✅ The Four-Day School Week Debate
✅ Memorial Day Weekend Recap
✅ Summer Rhythms & Keeping Kids Engaged
✅ Mindset & Mom Guilt

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Summer brings a welcome shift in pace, but also new challenges in balancing kids, work, and home life.
✨ Creating some structure with chores and routines can help summer days run more smoothly for everyone.
✨ Be patient with boredom! Kids often need time and space to tap into their own creativity and independent play.
✨ It's okay to set boundaries with your time and say no to over-scheduling, allowing for more spontaneous family fun.
✨ The narrative you tell yourself about motherhood and your current season significantly impacts your experience. Choose to embrace the chaos and find joy in the little moments.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to strategies for managing kids at home during the summer? Do you have a favorite chore system or screen time boundary? Share your tips and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#SummerBreak #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #ParentingTips #SummerWithKids #ScreenTimeBoundaries #ChoreCharts #MomGuilt #EmbraceTheChaos #FamilyTime #RuralLife #SummerRoutines

 Planting season is over! - Or is it?!?! In this candid and relatable episode, Jena and MP are keeping it real about feeling a bit under the weather, the shift in seasonal rhythms, and some interesting health and parenting nuggets they've been exploring.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Planting Season Wrap-Up (Mostly!)

✅ Not Feeling Their Best

✅ Mary Pat's Dizzy Spell Journey

✅ Jena's Dive into Homeopathy

✅ Mouth Taping & Jaw Development

✅ Workout Consistency & Starting Small

✅ Summer Rhythms & Kid Life

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Even when planting is "done," the farm work (and worry!) continues. Weather and field conditions keep farmers on their toes.
✨ Prioritizing your health is crucial, even when you're not "sick." Listening to your body and seeking root-cause solutions can make a huge difference.
✨ Homeopathy and functional medicine can be powerful tools for addressing various health concerns for the whole family.
✨ Small, consistent efforts in areas like exercise can lead to significant long-term progress and milestones.
✨ It's okay to not feel 100% all the time. Sharing struggles and supporting each other is part of real life.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! Are you wrapped up with planting, or still in the thick of it? Have you ever explored functional medicine or homeopathy? What are you doing to take care of yourself as the seasons shift? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#PlantingWrapUp #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #FunctionalMedicine #Homeopathy #HealthJourney #Candida #DizzySpells #Parenting #SummerOnTheFarm #WorkoutMotivation #RealLife

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Climate FieldView. 

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they sit down with Tom Verseman, Digital Enablement Marketing Lead for Climate FieldView. They dive deep into the world of digital agriculture, how FieldView has evolved, and the practical ways it's helping farmers make better decisions.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ The FieldView Story
✅ How Jena & Mary Pat Use FieldView
✅ Real-World Wins with FieldView
✅ Untapped Potential & Hidden Gems
✅ The Future of Ag Tech & FieldView
✅ Drive 2.0 Deep Dive
✅ FieldView Tiers Explained
✅ Learning More & Getting Support

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Climate FieldView is a powerful digital agriculture platform that helps farmers collect, analyze, and utilize data across all stages of the growing season – from planning and planting to in-season management and harvest.
✨ The platform has evolved significantly over the past decade, becoming an indispensable tool for many millennial farmers and beyond.
✨ From optimizing hybrid selection and input applications to identifying in-field issues and aiding in estate planning, FieldView offers tangible benefits.
✨ Don't be afraid to explore all the features! Simple tools like enhanced scouting pins and understanding different subscription tiers can unlock significant value.
✨ The new Drive 2.0 offers improved performance and is designed with future advancements in mind.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
How are you using digital ag tools like FieldView on your farm? What's one feature you can't live without, or one you're curious to learn more about? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

Learn more about Climate FieldView and its offerings at FieldView.com.
Whether you're looking to efficiently scout fields with health imagery, gain access to record-based scouting and weather forecasts, utilize custom seed scripts, or tap into advanced features like "Your Farm at a Glance" and local cash bids, FieldView has a subscription tier designed to help every farmer succeed. Learn more and explore what FieldView can do for your operation at FieldView.com.

#ClimateFieldView #DigitalAg #PrecisionAg #FarmTech #Sponsored #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #Farming #Agriculture #DataDrivenFarming #PlantingSeason #Harvest #FarmManagement #AgTech #Bayer