“ I sometimes pinch myself. It's hard. Ranching isn't easy. It's not easy and I don't want to give that impression, but to get to do what you love so much and are so passionate about it…” 

Laura Hicks started ranching at 19, building from nothing alongside her husband Mike in South Dakota. They went from running others' cattle to developing their own herd while raising two sons who now ranch with them. Through health battles, tough seasons, and the challenges of passing down the operation, Laura's story shows how faith, grit, and family can build something lasting. Her journey from a two-room house with no running water to a successful multi-generational ranch proves that success comes in many forms. 

Key Topics: 

Starting from scratch at age 19 and building a ranch with no initial land or cattle 

Raising kids while ranching - managing safety and developing work ethic 

Herd development through replacement heifers and improving cattle temperament 

Multi-generational transition - bringing sons into the operation 

Diversification through sheep operation  

Managing health challenges as a ranch family  

Balancing ranch life with other pursuits (writing books, dog trials) 

Homeschooling while ranching 

Role of faith and community in ranch success 

To connect with Laura and learn more about her story, visit her website or find her on Instagram and Facebook. 

LINKS 

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

Episode 68: Getting Started with Stockdogs  

Episode 54: Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California 

Episode 34: Irons in the Fire with Ranch Mom Jesse Thompson 

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

A Note to Parents 

Dear listeners, 

Tonight's episode is something special - a departure from our usual conversations. As Christmas Eve approaches, I wanted to create something a little different.  

This episode is a bedtime story designed to help your little ones settle into sleep on Christmas Eve, beginning with a gentle relaxation exercise and flowing into a story that captures both the wonder of Christmas and the beauty of childhood on the farm. The story's pacing, sound design, and narrative structure are all crafted to help children wind down while feeling connected to the special magic of both Christmas and farm living. Growing up, I often demanded “kitty stories” from my dad which were the adventures of our farm cats, dramatized for long car rides and bed time. I enjoy continuing this tradition of sorts in making up stories about a cantankerous pigeon for my own kids. My own kids often listen to bedtime podcasts with a sci-fi and fantasy theme, and I’ve been wanting to create a farm kid version to take for a test run. 

The Story Behind the Story 

This story holds a special place in my heart because it's inspired by a real Christmas Eve from when my oldest son was just 16 months old. Our Australian Shepherd, Dezi gave birth to a beautiful set of puppies on Christmas Eve, choosing our couch over the prepared whelping box we had set up. I love how this story shows how the best gifts often come in their own time and their own way - a lesson that seems especially poignant during the Christmas season. 

Episode Details 

- Runtime: 35 minutes 

- Recommended age: 3-10 years 

- Best enjoyed: While getting ready for bed on Christmas Eve 

- Audio level: Mixed specifically for bedtime listening 

Regular Programming Note 

Don't worry - we'll be back to our regular farming discussions in our next episode. But tonight, we're taking a moment to share the magic of farm life through a child's eyes. 

Wishing all of you a peaceful Christmas Eve and a joyful Christmas morning. 

Lexi 

Host, Farming on Purpose 

“ So yeah the balance of the family and the business and the farming and all that, just trying to get more systematic and efficient so that we can balance it all.” 

Abby and Brooks Bowser started farming conventionally at age 20, but after realizing their corn and soybean operation wasn't sustainable, they transformed their Southern Michigan farm into a regenerative cattle operation. Now they run Bowser Family Farms, raising cattle and pigs on pasture while Abby manages both their retail meat business and a flower farm. Their story shows how determination, adaptation, and family support can help build a thriving small farm. 

Key Topics: 

Transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming 

Small farm financial sustainability 

Starting farming at a young age 

Balancing multiple businesses (meat retail and flower farming) 

Seasonal time management as a farming family 

The importance of systematic approaches in agriculture 

Learning to adapt and change initial farming plans 

Moving from commodity crops to direct-to-consumer sales 

Family life while building an agricultural business 

Marketing challenges for local farm products 

LINKS 

Farming on Purpose hits 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're giving away exclusive merch and two fantastic children's books: "A Day on the Farm with Mama" by Andrea LeFevre and "Charlie Learns to be a Cowboy" by Danika Kester. 

Enter by December 31st: 

Winner will be announced January 1st! 

Thank you for joining us as we explore success stories in agriculture and build stronger farm families, stronger food systems, and stronger rural legacies. Here's to the next 100 episodes!  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

Episode 84: From Dairy Farm Dreams to Self-Made Farmer: Derek Penrod's Journey 

Episode 62: Your Life's Bingo Card and Flower Farming with Liz Fiedler of Sunny Mary Meadow Farms 

Episode 80: Barn Restored into Butcher Shop Supports Growing Business Dreams 

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

“I think the most important thing is focusing on what our priorities are, because those priorities give us a purpose even when goals become unattainable or the course shifts or something happens in life that changes our trajectory. If we know what our priorities are.  We can choose to focus on those every single day.” 

After 100 episodes of the Farming on Purpose podcast, this milestone episode reflects on key lessons learned about agriculture, family farming, and finding your path. From starting as a new mom uncertain about her role on a 20-acre farm to now raising the potential seventh generation on family land, the journey highlights how priorities shape daily decisions, patience pays off in farming, and entrepreneurial thinking opens new possibilities in agriculture. This episode celebrates growth while looking forward to future conversations about strengthening farm families and food systems. 

Key Topics: 

Personal growth journey: Moving from a 20-acre farm to managing a multi-generational family operation 

The postpartum transition period and finding new purpose in agriculture 

Setting priorities versus focusing only on goals in farming 

The reality of timelines in agriculture - why things take longer than expected 

Understanding generational farming challenges, especially around transitions 

The role of entrepreneurship in modern farming's future 

Financial realities: The balance between land payments and cattle payments 

The need for more positive storytelling in agricultural media 

Building stronger farm families while strengthening the food system 

LINKS 

Farming on Purpose hits 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're giving away exclusive merch and two fantastic children's books: "A Day on the Farm with Mama" by Andrea LeFevre and "Charlie Learns to be a Cowboy" by Danika Kester. 

Enter by December 31st: 

Winner will be announced January 1st! 

Thank you for joining us as we explore success stories in agriculture and build stronger farm families, stronger food systems, and stronger rural legacies. Here's to the next 100 episodes!  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

Episode 85: Resiliency: The Secret to Success in Farming and Ranching 

Episode 86: Farm Time Machine - What a Beginning Farmer and Farm Wife Wishes She Knew Sooner  

Episode 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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

 “Some years you're going to make more money than other years and I think as long as you  don't outpace your budget, then you'll end up being just fine.” 

Meet Brenna Beard, a beginning farmer who's building her operation while working full-time in ag sales. Starting with just 35 acres of her dad's land, she's doubled her acres and even bought her first piece of ground - all while living 50 minutes from the farm. Her story shows how the next generation is finding creative ways to keep family farms alive, proving you don't need hundreds of acres or fancy equipment to get started in farming. 

Key Topics: 

Starting small in farming (35 acres to 75 acres) 

Managing a full-time career while farming 

Family farm transition challenges 

Working with custom operators for equipment needs 

Trying new farming practices vs traditional methods 

Purchasing first piece of farmland 

Balancing time between work and farm  

Marketing challenges for beginning farmers 

Future plans for expansion 

Working with family and clear communication 

Using vacation time for planting and harvest 

Preserving 200-year family farming legacy 

Want to follow Brenna's farming journey? Find her on Instagram and YouTube. 

LINKS 

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

Episode 52: Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams  

Episode 43: Returning to & Growing on the Ranch with Kristin Harms 

Episode 50: Building Your Dream on God's Time Through Daily Dedication  

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

“Teaching classes and being able to plant the seed itself for other people to get excited for things that have been lost in our generation has also just been something that has brought  tons of happiness and joy.”  

City girl turned farmer Jessica Lewis shares how she built Back to Roots Farm in Thomasville, Georgia, starting with bottle baby goats and growing into a thriving business teaching homesteading skills. With her seven-year-old daughter already sharing her passion for farming, Jessica shows how starting small and being willing to pivot when markets change can lead to success in agriculture, even without prior experience. 

Key Topics: 

Transition from city life to farming with no prior experience 

Starting with bottle baby goats and expanding to multiple enterprises 

Adapting business when markets change (from goats to chickens/soaps) 

Teaching homesteading skills through classes (soap making, canning) 

Balancing farming with family life 

The learning curve of starting a farm (mistakes and lessons learned) 

Challenge of finding mentors in modern agriculture 

Raising children in a farming lifestyle 

Operating a small-scale farm vs traditional large-scale operations 

Pivoting from production agriculture to education/value-added products 

You can find Back to Roots Farm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit their website to learn more about their classes and products. 

LINKS 

Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

#16 Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres 

#54 Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California 

#70 For the Kids: From City to Farm 

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

“My life does revolve around farming but I also think we have good boundaries where I’m not resentful of that.”  

Nebraska farm wife Heather Nienhueser shares her journey from ag banker to stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur. She discusses building a successful family popcorn business, navigating farm transitions, and finding joy in farm life. Through her candid stories about balancing motherhood, business, and farm life, Heather offers practical advice for other farm families – from getting through busy seasons to planning successful generational transitions. 

Key Topics: 

To connect with Heather, check out her Instagram, blog,  and website.  

LINKS 

Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

#95 Sisters, Mothers, Ranchers: How Three Women Are Building a Legacy at Giles Ranch Beef

#87 Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family’s Legacy

#86 Farm Time Machine - What a Beginning Farmer and Farm Wife Wishes She Knew Sooner

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

“The opportunity is out there, you’re just going to have to do a better job than trying to compete with Walmart on price and volume.” 

In this episode from the vault, farmer DL Lautenbach shares his journey of rebuilding after losing his 400-head operation in 2008. Starting with just five borrowed calf hutches, he shows how thinking differently and staying scrappy helped him build back up. DL's story reminds us that success in farming isn't always about size - it's about finding creative solutions, putting family first, and defining success on your own terms. 

Key Topics: 

Starting Over  

Creative Problem Solving 

Mindset and Lifestyle Changes 

Family First Farming 

Smart Financial Management  

Finding Your Advantage 

Modern Market Adaptation 

For those looking to connect with the DL Lautenbach, you can find him on TikTok and Facebook.  

LINKS 

Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

#72 Advice from a First-Generation Farmer on Surviving Trends 

#57 Living Your Authentic Ag Journey with Matt Brechwald of Off-Farm Income

#84 From Dairy Farm Dreams to Self-Made Farmer: Derek Penrod’s Journey

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

“And it's very important that you're thinking about what's best for the whole family and the whole ranch. Instead of just what's best for you or your individual family.” 

Meet the three sisters of Giles Ranch who are redefining what a family cattle operation can look like. From balancing motherhood with ranch work to growing a direct-to-consumer beef business with two retail locations, Jenny, Katie, and Molly share how working together has helped them build something special. Their story shows what's possible when strong family values meet innovative thinking in agriculture. 

Key Topics: 

Family transition planning 

Planning for the next generation 

Balancing motherhood and ranch life 

Adapting operations around family schedules 

Growing their direct-to-consumer beef business 

Working together as sisters 

Clear division of responsibilities 

Supporting each other's families 

Sharing their ranch story 

Taking care of the land 

Building sustainable business models 

Creating opportunities for their children 

For those looking to connect with the Giles Sisters and learn more about their beef, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to check out The Meating Place website. 

LINKS 

Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:  

Episode 66: A Legacy of Direct to Consumer Beef with Callison Ranch 

Episode 75: Becoming an Industry with Open Doors with Macey Hurst of Lady Livestock Co 

Episode 20:Farm Kid Parenting and Moving the Farm Across State Lines with Kerissa Taylor of 1984 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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

“And at the end of the day, the best thing you can do is, as long as you have good intentions, is to put some piece of your story out there because I promise you somebody will find a connection.” 

Every farm has a story worth telling, but finding the confidence to share it isn't always easy. In this episode, third-generation cattle woman Ashlynn Jones shares her journey of returning to the family farm and finding her voice as an ag advocate. From winter chores to family transitions, she shows how sharing even simple daily moments can help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. 

Key Topics: 

Transitioning back to the family farm 

Finding confidence to share your ag story on social media 

Starting with one platform and building from there 

Women in agriculture 

The importance of showing daily farm life 

Supporting different farming methods 

Connecting with consumers who are generations removed from farming 

Managing cattle during extreme weather 

Family legacy in agriculture 

For those looking to connect with Ashlynn and learn more about her journey, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. 

LINKS 

Land-finding guide: thetinylife.com/fop.  

Marketing Routine class, do so here! 

Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.  

Check out our favorite software tool for online sales: Thrivecart 

I may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy: 

Episode 1: Collaborating for Progress in Ranching with Cassidy Johnson 

Episode 62: Your Life’s Bingo Card and Flower Farming with Liz Fielder of Sunny Mary Meadow Farms  

Episode 47: Building Connections with Strong Ag Women with Jana Earp 

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 future of production agriculture. 

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.