In this inspiring episode of Grow Getters, host Davis Michaelsen sits down with Andrew McCrea—a Missouri farmer, rancher, and the voice behind American Countryside Radio. McCrea shares how he juggles life on the land with his passion for storytelling, and his goal to travel to all 3,144 U.S. counties to spotlight extraordinary everyday people. From leading the Heartland Foundation and serving as a lay pastor, to drawing inspiration from his wife’s humanitarian work, McCrea reveals how his rural roots and relentless curiosity fuel a mission to connect, uplift, and grow. Whether you’re a young farmer or simply chasing purpose, McCrea offers timeless advice on finding meaning and success in the unexpected.

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When Ty and Tracy Woodard’s infant son required brain surgery, they leaned on their faith, trusted doctors, and a special blanket gifted by a caring nurse. Two years later, with their son healthy and thriving, Tracy was inspired to launch a business making blankets from cotton grown on their South Carolina farm. That dream became a reality with Covered in Cotton, a flourishing enterprise that weaves comfort and hope into every blanket.

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In this episode of Grow Getters, Davis Michelsen talks with Katie Dotterer — former dairy farmer, Spanish teacher, and founder of Agvocate.com — about her unique path from the barn to becoming a leading voice in digital ag advocacy. Katie shares how her viral message, “Ask Farmers, Not Google,” reflects her mission to build trust and transparency in agriculture. Katie also dives into the importance of cross-cultural communication on farms, shaped by her background in language education and real-world experience. With insights on resilience, reinvention, and respect, she encourages listeners to embrace change, foster connection, and keep growing.

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In this episode of Grow Getters, host Davis Michelson sits down with Maren Beard of Luna Valley Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Maren and her husband, Tom, raise cows, pigs, and sheep using regenerative farming practices—but they’re best known for their incredible wood-fired pizza, made with ingredients from their farm and other local producers. Maren shares how their farm-to-table pizza nights have become a beloved community tradition, earning recognition from Better Homes and Gardens, The New York Times, AARP Magazine, and Cosmopolitan.

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Chris Riggers came back to the family farm when his uncle retired. But then his dad, Nate, had a serious health issue, pushing Chris into the leadership role sooner than expected. Not only did he take the reins of the fifth-generation Idaho farm, he led the effort to establish Cold Stream Malt & Grain Company, which sells grains directly to breweries and distilleries in the Pacific Northwest. True grow getters, Chris and Nate join Davis on this episode to tell their powerful story.

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Out on the windswept prairie of North Dakota, the Doan family has been raising cattle since 1882. When fifth-generation brothers Jeremy, Jay and Jayce returned to Black Leg Ranch after college, they brought some new business ideas with them. Beyond raising Black Angus cows and bison on the 20,000-acre property, they’ve added a large event space, a micro-brewery, lodges for overnight guests, a hunting outfitter business and a direct-to-consumer meat enterprise. Jeremy and Jay Doan join Davis on this episode of Grow Getters to tell their tale.

Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions to diversify their operations and add new sources of revenue. These resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer and are here to inspire and guide anyone with a dream of their own. Mixing fascinating stories with lots of humor and even some music from host Davis Michaelsen, Grow Getters is truly an original in the world of Ag media.

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Where others see stumbling blocks, Kentucky farmer Joe Nichols sees building blocks. That’s how he’s built such a successful and diversified business. And he built it from scratch, starting as a teenager. Today, Seven Springs Farms spans 25,000 acres of row crops and more than 10,000 head of cattle. As a true grow getter, he also has developed side businesses such as manufacturing erosion-control blankets and selling crushed rock. He’s come a long way from the kid who stayed behind when his family sold their farm and moved away back in the 1980s. Enjoy his amazing story.

Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions to diversify their operations and add new sources of revenue. These resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer and are here to inspire and guide anyone with a dream of their own. Mixing fascinating stories with lots of humor and even some music from host Davis Michaelsen, Grow Getters is truly an original in the world of Ag media.

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When Bri Stagge came home to Greensburg, Indiana, after college to help out on the fourth-generation family farm a few years ago, she didn’t plan on starting a side business or on meeting Dustin Osborne, who is now her husband. But she did both. Bri and Dustin join Davis on this episode of Grow Getters to talk about how they started their own company — Osborne Ag Services — to help diversify the farm operation. Their company offers drone and light excavation services as well as grain bin management using robot technology.

Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions to diversify their operations and add new sources of revenue. These resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer and are here to inspire and guide anyone with a dream of their own. Mixing fascinating stories with lots of humor and even some music from host Davis Michaelsen, Grow Getters is truly an original in the world of Ag media.

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As teenagers, Dave and Jean Gottenborg dreamed of owning a cattle ranch. After decades of delay, they finally achieved their dream. They now raise cattle and sell award-winning beef and hay at Eagle Rock Ranch, perched 9,000 feet above sea level in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Dave and his daughter, Erin, join Davis on this episode of Grow Getters to tell their amazing story.

Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions to diversify their operations and add new sources of revenue. These resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer and are here to inspire and guide anyone with a dream of their own. Mixing fascinating stories with lots of humor and even some music from host Davis Michaelsen, Grow Getters is truly an original in the world of Ag media.

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Iowa ag producer Kelly Garrett stays very busy growing corn and raising cattle, but his entrepreneurial spirit drives him to start side businesses to extend an impressive, vertically integrated operation. From trucking companies to digital advisory platforms, a direct-to-consumer beef business to a gas station/restaurant, he’s always hustling. On this episode of Grow Getters, he explains how — and why — he does it.

Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions to diversify their operations and add new sources of revenue. These resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer and are here to inspire and guide anyone with a dream of their own. Mixing fascinating stories with lots of humor and even some music from host Davis Michaelsen, Grow Getters is truly an original in the world of Ag media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.