Farmer Mary's Field Notes

Mary Davis
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Farmer Mary's Field Notes is the weekly journal of a middle aged city slicker white collar woman turned regenerative rancher. Each week, she posts a story about life on the family's 4th generation farm - Laughlin Highlands Farm - in the small crossroads of Gavers, Ohio. Listen in for humor, drama, the occasional tears, and most importantly, the recipe for what Mary is cooking for Sunday dinner.

Episodes

  1. JAN 12

    Why Rural Veterinary Care is So EXPENSIVE - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 3, 2026)

    🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com 🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air. If your social media algorithm is anything like mine, it serves up videos of animals doing ridiculous things–horses sliding uncontrollably down hills, geese with buckets stuck on their heads, goats fainting when the UPS truck drives by–and the most perfect audio track is an exasperated owner yelling “you don’t pay your own vet bills!!!” And it’s true. We spend so much time trying to keep our animals safe and healthy, and somehow they manage to astonish us regularly with their not-so-brilliant antics. We try to stay a few steps ahead of them and think of all of the possible ways they could damage themselves, and still find ourselves scratching our heads at some of the scrapes they get into. And it doesn’t even have to be stupidity; sometimes things just go wrong, and you need an expert’s help. I happen to have seen a lot of our local vets in the last couple weeks, so vet care is definitely on my mind, and I wanted to share a bit of what it looks like to safeguard so many critters on our farm. Original Blog Post: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/your-dont-own-your-own-vet-bills-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-50 Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    7 min

  2. JAN 5

    Is Horse Riding the Secret to Raising BRAVE Kids? - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 2, 2026)

    🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com 🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air. In this episode, I share how our kids found their sport—not on a field, but in the barn—and how horseback riding has shaped their resilience, confidence, and emotional strength far more than traditional team sports ever could. From weekly lessons to a whirlwind local jumper show, we talk about the skills they’re building, the nerves they pushed through, and the joy of watching them grow as riders and humans. I also reflect on my own decision to sit out the competition this time, what it means to choose between stretching yourself and stepping back, and why saying yes to the horse—literally and metaphorically—might be worth it more often than we think. Original Blog Post: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/horses-kids-and-courage-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-2-2026 Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    7 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    My BIGGEST Mistake: Our Sheep ESCAPED - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 51)

    🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com 🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air. A week on the farm turned into a lesson in humility, patience, and why meat costs what it does. From a routine trip to the processor that spiraled into escaped sheep, fading daylight, and a community-wide rescue, to a solo, hours-long chess match of loading stubborn bulls with nothing but fencing, grit, and slow pressure—this story is all about learning the hard way that livestock always exploit your smallest mistake. Pride took a hit, strangers showed up when it mattered, and in the end, everyone (human and animal) made it home safe. Slow and steady wins, check your parking twice, and maybe don’t underestimate a four-inch gap. 📝 Original Blog Post: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/pride-goes-before-the-fall-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-51 Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    13 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Winter Adventures with Broken Tractors, Stuck Neighbors, and Fire Department Calls - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 50, 2025)

    🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com 🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air. Well. Winter has arrived, and with a vengeance. It feels like we barely got past Thanksgiving, and we are in full-on snow mode. Our darling 9-year old daughter has been praying for snow (it’s literally on our hand-written prayer list) and they got their first snow day on what would’ve been their first day back from Thanksgiving break. To be fair, I think most of the state was shut down, but I thought you might get a kick out of hearing how our day played out. Plus, stick through till the end for a tasty and unusual recipe to try (hint: it's the persimmons) Original Blog Post: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/snow-days-and-sweet-corn-pudding-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-1 Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    11 min

  5. 10/20/2025

    Farm Fire from Bacon Blunder! (Week 43)

    ❤️ Support the Farm: Shop our farm products and meat boxes at LaughlinHighlandsFarm.com This week’s farm update starts with a skillet, a little too much smoke, and a visit from the volunteer fire department. Yes — all because of bacon. What began as a peaceful farm breakfast turned into one of those small-town moments we’ll never forget: neighbors, laughter, and a reminder that community means showing up — even when the emergency is breakfast gone wrong. In this episode, we’re sharing the story behind the smoke, what it’s like living in a place where your firefighters are your friends, and how humor and humility keep small-town life grounded. Along the way, we’ll still do what we do best — cook a hearty meal outdoors, talk about homesteading, and find the joy in life’s simple (and smoky) surprises. Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    6 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    FARM Life Balance: Is It Really That Tough? (Week 42)

    Welcome back to Laughlin Highlands Farm! This week, we hit a major milestone — over 260 chickens and 30+ turkeys processed and ready for the freezer! The barn is quieter, the fields are calmer, and I’m reflecting on what it means to manage time, stress, and sanity during the busiest weeks of farm life. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin trying to juggle family, work, and homesteading, this one’s for you. We’ll talk about what’s working (and what’s not), how to keep joy in the daily grind, and a few lessons from this week’s farm chaos. 💬 Topics Covered: Managing time and expectations when farm life gets overwhelmingFinding sustainable rhythms between chores and family timeStress management tips for homesteadersHow outdoor work can restore mental balanceWhy slower living doesn’t always mean “easy living”📦 Farm Updates: 261 chickens + 30+ turkeys processed in Baltic, OHPrepping pastures for winter restRecipe of the week: a hearty, slow-food comfort meal from the farm kitchen🐓 Watch more from our farm: 👉 Laughlin Highlands Farm YouTube Channel ❤️ Support the Farm: Shop meat boxes, lamb snacks, and more at LaughlinHighlandsFarm.com Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    6 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    Change Your Life - Break Free From Your Rut - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 38)

    🌱 Are your habits leading to growth—or digging you into a rut? In this video, I share a farm-inspired reflection on how our daily routines mirror the ruts in our pastures. From corralling escaped turkeys to navigating the muddy paths of habit, this story blends farm life with real lessons in self development, mental health, and personal growth. We’ll explore: 1. Why habits can either keep you stuck or move you toward transformation 2. How negative thought patterns create “ruts” in your mind 3. Simple ways to adjust your daily routine for motivation and productivity 4. The role of mindset and faith in building a life of resilience and purpose This isn’t just a farm story—it’s a reminder that with intention, you can break free, reset your perspective, and cultivate habits that bring inspiration, self improvement, and positive change. ✨ If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck, this motivational video is for you. =========================== Connect with us! =========================== Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/farmer-marys-field-notes/id1836965250 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34haqAnv2OrNrGZMvrPPSH YouTube: https://youtube.com/@laughlinhighlandsfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughlinhighlandsfarm/ 📧 Subscribe for Farmer Mary in your email and get 25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/pages/social-email-sign-up ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 – Daily habits and farm pastures 00:04 – The impact of routines and escaped turkeys 00:08 – Soup season & small farm reflections 00:11 – A request for your help 00:14 – Why grass (and habits) matter 00:23 – Driving paths into pastures (and minds) 00:30 – How ruts form in grass and in life 00:42 – Rain, mud, and habits that get baked in 00:50 – The ruts we make in our minds Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    8 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    I Quit a University Career to Become a FARMER Was It Worth It? - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 37)

    🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com 🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air. Why would someone walk away from a secure career in higher education to chase life on a family farm? In this week’s Field Notes with Farmer Mary, I open up about the tough questions, the doubts, and the unexpected joys of starting over. From building fences and wrangling animals to reflecting on mindset, regrets, and the meaning of work, this is my raw take on what it’s like to trade the classroom for the pasture. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered about life after college, career change, or pursuing sustainable farming, this story is for you. 🌱 Whether you’re a woman farmer, aspiring rancher, or someone searching for work-life balance in rural living, join me on this journey of personal growth and community. =========================== Connect with us! =========================== Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/farmer-marys-field-notes/id1836965250 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34haqAnv2OrNrGZMvrPPSH YouTube: https://youtube.com/@laughlinhighlandsfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughlinhighlandsfarm/ 📧 Subscribe for Farmer Mary in your email and get 25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/pages/social-email-sign-up ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 – Why did I choose this? 1:05 – Kids going back to school 2:10 – Losing my helpers 3:15 – Balancing animals with jobs 4:20 – Starting from the basics 5:25 – Battling feelings of inadequacy 6:30 – Learning tractor skills 7:35 – Community and open-mindedness 8:40 – Wrestling with pessimism 9:45 – Finding small joys again Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    8 min

  9. 09/01/2025

    Saved by the Bull - Farmer Mary Field Notes (Week 36)

    🔥 This video is sponsored by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air.  =========================== Connect with us! =========================== YT: youtube.com/@laughlinhighlandsfarm  📧 Subscribe for Farmer Mary in your email and get 25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/pages/social-email-sign-up  This week on Farmer Mary’s Field Notes, I’m sharing the rhythms of farm life as summer begins to wind down. The grass feels a little crunchy underfoot, the animals settle into their routines, and I find myself reflecting on the cycles that shape both the land and our family. In this episode, you’ll hear about a crispy (but not defeated!) farmer, some poetic musings on grass, and even a love-struck bull. And if you make it to the end, I’ve tucked in a recipe to inspire your own kitchen. Our farm meals aren’t just food — they’re a reflection of cattle farming, regenerative agriculture, homesteading, and the joy of cooking with what we raise. Thank you for walking alongside me as we share life, faith, and food from our farm to your table.  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 – Welcome to Field Notes  00:08 – Growing Grass, Growing Food  00:13 – This Week’s Recipe (teased)  00:18 – The Rhythms of Farm Life  00:48 – End of Summer Reflections  04:30 – An Amorous Bull in the Pasture  07:24 – This Week’s Recipe: Chimichurri Sauce  08:02 – Closing Thoughts & Next Week   Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm Our YouTube Channel Facebook Instagram

    8 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Farmer Mary's Field Notes is the weekly journal of a middle aged city slicker white collar woman turned regenerative rancher. Each week, she posts a story about life on the family's 4th generation farm - Laughlin Highlands Farm - in the small crossroads of Gavers, Ohio. Listen in for humor, drama, the occasional tears, and most importantly, the recipe for what Mary is cooking for Sunday dinner.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Davis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 2025 Laughlin Highlands Farm LLC
  • Show Website
    Farmer Mary's Field Notes