“You don’t know what you don’t know — and that’s what keeps people up at night.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Jace Young, founder and CEO of Legacy Farmer, to talk about the financial side of agriculture that most producers avoid — until they can’t. 

Jace grew up on a multi-million-dollar Kansas farm that ultimately went bankrupt. Years later, working in ag banking — including at the same banks his family once approached — he gained access to the financial documentation behind the collapse. What he discovered changed the direction of his life. 

We talk about centralized leadership, pride, emotional decision-making, and why updating your numbers once a year isn’t enough. Jace shares what he sees inside banks today, how loan committees actually think, and why producers who understand their balance sheets have leverage most others don’t. 

This episode is a must-listen for producers stepping into leadership roles, families navigating transition, and anyone who wants to build a farm business that outlasts one generation. 

Key Topics: 

LINKS 

Learn more about Legacy Farmer: 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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: 

Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family’s Legacy – A practical conversation about transition planning, family communication, and protecting the long-term future of your operation. A strong follow-up to Jace’s insights on decentralized leadership and building a farm that outlasts one generation. 

Marriage, Parenthood & Building a Business – An honest look at building a growing business while raising a family. This episode pairs well with Jace’s discussion on leadership, structure, and creating a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. 

Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Confidence on the Farm – A finance-focused episode covering taxes, recordkeeping, and strategic cash flow planning. Perfect for listeners who want to go deeper after hearing Jace explain why monthly financial clarity matters. 

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. 

“You’re going to make mistakes — and then you’re going to learn from those mistakes.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Hayley Darnielle, owner of Crooked Creek Farms in Montana, to talk about building a diversified, direct-to-consumer farm business from the ground up. 

What started as a simple Facebook page and one milk cow has grown into a full-time operation providing raw milk, pork, poultry, eggs, and more to local families. Hayley shares what it’s really like to be a first-generation farmer, how Montana’s Food Freedom Act shaped her business, and why responsibility, transparency, and boundaries matter just as much as growth. 

This conversation explores diversification with intention, navigating customer relationships, using grants to fuel growth, and building a farm that supports both family life and long-term sustainability. 

Key Topics: 

LINKS 

Follow Crooked Creek Farms and learn more about Hayley’s operation: 

Follow Crooked Creek Farms on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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 

#122: How Agritourism Is Transforming Farming – A look at how opening the farm to the public through agritourism can create new income streams, strengthen community trust, and support long-term farm sustainability. 

#125: Raising More Than Livestock: Building a Multi-Generation Direct-to-Consumer Farm Business – An honest conversation about diversification, family roles, and building a direct-to-consumer business that supports both the farm and the people behind it. 

#76: Ag Entrepreneurship & Conviction in Fighting for the Family Farm with Amanda Radke – A conversation about purpose, priorities, entrepreneurship, and building income beyond tradition while staying rooted in agriculture. 

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. 

“You don’t have to have a perfect farm — you just have to open the gate.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Megan Daluge, a fifth-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer and co-founder of Milk’n Mamas, to talk about what diversification really looks like when you’re committed to keeping the dairy — and the family — at the center. 

Megan shares how she and her sister navigated family transition, industry pressure, and a tough dairy economy by building multiple income streams alongside their 100-cow dairy. From launching farm camps and agritourism to running a women’s boutique and coaching farmers on social media storytelling, this conversation is an honest look at resilience, creativity, and evolving with purpose. 

This episode is a must-listen for farmers, ranchers, and ag entrepreneurs who feel pulled in more than one direction — and want permission to try something new without losing what matters most. 

Key Topics: 

LINKS 

Follow Milk’n Mamas on Instagram: @milknmamas 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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 

#122: How Agritourism Is Transforming Farming – A look at how opening the farm to the public through agritourism can create new income streams, strengthen community trust, and support long-term farm sustainability. 

#125: Raising More Than Livestock: Building a Multi-Generation Direct-to-Consumer Farm Business – An honest conversation about diversification, family roles, and building a direct-to-consumer business that supports both the farm and the people behind it. 

#76: Ag Entrepreneurship & Conviction in Fighting for the Family Farm with Amanda Radke – A conversation about purpose, priorities, entrepreneurship, and building income beyond tradition while staying rooted in agriculture. 

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. 

“If you don’t start early enough to make a plan, it never takes care of itself.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Heidi Olson, certified farm succession planner and founder of Pathfinder Legacy Advisor, LLC, to talk about why succession planning is about far more than paperwork—and why waiting too long puts both farm families and farmland at risk. 

Heidi brings decades of experience in banking, wealth management, trusts, and estate planning, along with firsthand experience navigating succession planning within her own family. We talk through how to start difficult conversations, why communication breakdowns are often the biggest obstacle, and what farm families of every size should be thinking about now as millions of acres of farmland prepare to change hands. 

Key Topics: 

You can learn more about Heidi and her work at pathfinderlegacy.com, or reach out directly at [email protected]. Heidi also hosts the Pathfinder Legacy Podcast, which is linked on her website. 

LINKS 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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 87: Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family's Legacy 

Episode 8: Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett 

Episode 19: Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch 

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. 

“You don’t just clock out of agriculture — it’s a lifestyle.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Olivia Harms — a sixth-generation rancher, country-western artist, and self-employed musician balancing life on the ranch with life on the road. 

From growing up on a family ranch dating back to 1872, to performing on national television and major rodeo stages, Olivia shares what it really takes to carry Western culture forward while building a creative career. We talk about authenticity in music, advocating for agriculture in urban spaces, navigating burnout, and balancing ranch life, marriage, and a demanding touring schedule. 

This episode is a powerful reminder that agriculture and creativity are both lifestyles — not jobs you clock out of — and that staying rooted matters, even when your work takes you far from home. 

Key Topics: 

LINKS 

Follow Olivia Harms and explore her music, tour dates, and merch: 

Follow Olivia on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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: 

#120: Finding Where You Belong on the Farm or Ranch – A thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and discovering your role within agriculture, especially when your path looks different than expected. Farming on Purpose 

#124: Marriage, Parenthood & Building a Business – A real-life look at balancing marriage, family, and entrepreneurship while building a business alongside life in agriculture. Farming on Purpose 

#117: Raising Kids, Cows, and Conversations: Paige Dulaney’s Real-Life Look at Ranching, Transition, and Family – Honest stories about family roles, legacy planning, and mixing business with relationships. Farming on Purpose 

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. 

“You can’t raise a cow that only has steaks on it — it doesn’t exist.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Nola and Mikaela Schultz, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law team behind Schultz Country Market, to talk about what it really takes to build a direct-to-consumer meat business inside a multi-generation farm. 

We cover the realities of processing, pricing, inventory management, and marketing — along with the family conversations, faith, and perseverance required to grow a business that supports both the farm and the people behind it. 

Nola and Mikaela share honest lessons from launching an on-farm market, navigating processor relationships, learning how to price meat sustainably, and using social media to reach customers far beyond their local community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring direct-to-consumer sales, diversification, or family business transitions in agriculture. 

Key Topics: 

LINKS 

Sign up for the Schultz Country Market shipping waitlist: 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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: 

#117: Raising Kids, Cows, and Conversations: Paige Dulaney’s Real-Life Look at Ranching, Transition, and Family – Honest stories about family roles, legacy planning, and mixing business with relationships. Farming on Purpose 

#74: Capturing Profit from Heifers with Direct-to-Consumer Beef with Amanda of 2383 Farms – A deep dive into selling beef direct to consumers, including challenges and pricing decisions. Farming on Purpose 

#76: Ag Entrepreneurship & Conviction in Fighting for the Family Farm with Amanda Radke – An entrepreneurial exploration of finding purpose, priorities, and diversified income on the 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. 

Finding your place in agriculture isn’t always simple—or straightforward. In this special mashup episode of Farming on Purpose, we’ve pulled together stories from past guests who share how they discovered (and sometimes redefined) their role on the farm or ranch. From balancing family dynamics and business decisions, to stepping into unexpected responsibilities, to building side ventures that make staying on the land possible—these voices remind us there’s no one-size-fits-all job description in ag. Their journeys show the heart, grit, and creativity it takes to carve out a role that fits both your skills and your dreams. 

Listen to the full interviews: 

Episode #8 Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett 

Richelle Barrett 

https://www.facebook.com/theprairiecrocus 

https://www.prairie-crocus.com/ 

Episode #15 Developing Routines for Ranch Roles and Profitability with Marli Scarborough  

Marli Scarborough  

https://www.instagram.com/marliscarborough/ 

Episode #21 Systems for Managing Life & Work on the Farm with Natalie Egger 

Natalie Egger 

https://www.instagram.com/natalie_egger_consulting/ 

www.eggerconsulting.ca  

Episode #109 Building a Future on the Farm: How One Rancher Found Her Own Path Home  

Lettie Nickell 

https://lettienickell.com/  

https://www.facebook.com/mcbarmeatco 

https://www.instagram.com/lettienickell/# 

LINKS 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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. 

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.  

Starting a farm from the ground up isn’t easy—but it’s possible. In this episode, I pulled together stories from beginning farmers who are doing just that. Some bought back family ground. Others started with just a few acres, raising food for their own families and learning as they went. A few had help, and many didn’t. But every single one had to work through doubts, learn from failure, and find their own way forward. These are the stories of grit, family, long days, and the kind of deep belief it takes to build something that lasts. Whether you’re dreaming of your first 10 acres or trying to prove yourself in a family operation, I hope this episode reminds you—you’re not alone, and your story is worth building. 

Listen to the full interviews: 

Episode #103 Building a Ranch From Scratch: How One Family's Faith and Grit Created Their Legacy  

Laura Hicks 

www.laurahicks.org  

www.instagram.com/laura_a_hicks 

www.facebook.com/laura.hicks.1884  

Episode #77 How Full Time Farming Works for Winding Creek Farms  

Harry Frederick 

https://www.facebook.com/windingcreekfarmsKY 

www.windingcreekfarms.com 

https://www.instagram.com/windingcreekfarms/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@windingcreekfarms801 

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

Joseph Blakeslee 

https://www.tiktok.com/@blakesleeacres?_t=8mBoNynbHVy&_r=1 

https://youtube.com/@blakesleeacres?si=ZRrEdeM9xztkVK0A 

https://www.facebook.com/share/KeVHkkjHNae61BUq/?mibextid=qi2Omg 

https://www.facebook.com/share/4AW7ZtymLMnYGcqq/?mibextid=qi2Omg 

Episode #99 Working Full Time While Building Her Farm Dream with Brenna Beard  

Brenna Beard 

https://www.instagram.com/brennabeardfarms/ 

https://www.youtube.com/@brennabeardfarms 

LINKS 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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. 

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.  

“You can do anything you set your mind to. I say that all the time—and I say that as a working mom. There’s judgment, exhaustion, and chaos, but I’m building a legacy for my daughter. She doesn’t know any different—this is just life for her, and that’s what makes it worth it.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Cole and Penny DuSablon, the husband-and-wife team behind Springpoint Company in Newton, Illinois. What started as a 7×16-foot trailer selling livestock feed has grown into a thriving small-town business combining a feed store, western boutique, and trailer dealership — all built on faith, family, and hard work. 

We talk about the challenges and rewards of running a business together, parenting while growing a brand, and staying grounded in purpose when life gets hectic. Cole and Penny share what it’s really like to balance marriage, motherhood, and management in modern agriculture — and how trusting the process has shaped both their business and their family. 

Key Topics: 

You can find Cole and Penny online for more of their story and daily life behind Springpoint Company: 

LINKS 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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: 

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.

“If cash is king, cash flow is queen.” 

In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Tressie Mitzner, economist with Kansas Farm Management, to talk about the side of ranching and farming that no one gets excited about—but everyone needs to understand: taxes, recordkeeping, and financial strategy. 

Tressie shares how she and her husband built their cow-calf operation from the ground up, why clean records matter more than most producers realize, and how to navigate high- and low-income years without losing sleep. She also breaks down some of the biggest tax code changes coming in 2025–2026 and how they’ll impact family operations across rural America. 

Whether you’re new to managing your farm’s books or just ready to take a more confident approach to your financial decisions, this episode will leave you with clarity, encouragement, and a few practical to-dos you can start right away. 

Key Topics: 

You’ll walk away from this episode ready to head into tax season with a plan—and a little less dread. 

Connect with Tressie 

Tressie welcomes questions and conversations from fellow producers and ag professionals. 

LINKS 

Sign up for the 8-Hour Marketing Plan here! 

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 87: Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Family's Legacy 

Episode 8: Shifting Seasons in Motherhood and Ranching with Richelle Barrett 

Episode 19: Homesteading Skills with a Farm Family with 14 Hands Ranch 

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.