Farming on Purpose

Lexi Wright

A podcast for farmers and ranchers ready to shift for a stronger future... Stronger farm families Stronger food systems Stronger rural legacies

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Marriage, Parenthood & Building a Business

    “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.”  — Penny DuSablon  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:  Building Spring Point Company from a 7×16 trailer to a storefront    Balancing marriage, motherhood, and business ownership    Taking the leap from job security to entrepreneurship    Navigating small-town retail challenges and loyalty    Mentoring rural youth through part-time employment    The role of faith and community in business growth    Finding hope in the next generation of agriculture      You can find Cole and Penny online for more of their story and daily life behind Springpoint Company:  🐴 Website: springpointco.com  📱 Instagram & Facebook: @springpointco  🎥 TikTok: @pennydusa | @coledusa  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 120: Finding Where You Belong on the Farm or Ranch    Episode 119: The First Acres: Honest Lessons from Beginning the Farm Journey    Episode 117: Raising Kids, Cows, and Conversations: Paige Dulaney’s Real-Life Look at Ranching, Transition, and Family    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.

    43 min
  2. 23/12/2025

    Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Confidence on the Farm

    “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:  Year-end wrap-up tips for farm and ranch businesses    Managing 1099s, W-2s, and reconciling accounts correctly    Tracking capital assets and depreciation with confidence    Understanding high- vs. low-income year strategies    Smart planning for land, equipment, and future growth    Upcoming 2025–2026 tax updates every producer should know    Finding grace and rhythm in your recordkeeping routine    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.  📧 Email: tressiemitzner@gmail.com    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.

    1h 9m
  3. 16/12/2025

    How Agritourism Is Transforming Farming

    “I don’t want to spend my short years on this earth doing things that are insignificant.” — Andrew Miller In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Andrew Miller, co-founder and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms in Washington’s Skagit Valley. We talk about the realities of building an agritourism-centered farm business, navigating regulations and community pushback, and choosing a meaningful life rooted in land and legacy. Andrew shares openly about returning home after years in tech, the process of building something his family could be part of, and the unique challenges of running a U-pick tulip farm in an urban-adjacent region where tourism and agriculture collide. His story is equal parts courageous, strategic, and deeply human.   Key Topics: Building a life and business rooted in significance, not just productivity Why agritourism is one of the biggest opportunities in agriculture today Navigating lawsuits, regulations, and zoning challenges as a small farm Turning a flower farm into an immersive experience—not a commodity Balancing family, farming, and off-farm responsibilities What makes U-pick operations successful (and what makes them hard) How to advocate for policies that keep farmland viable Why innovation in ag must happen at the business-model level Finding resilience through community, connection, and purpose Building a future in agriculture your kids can participate in   Learn More About Tulip Valley Farms 🌷 Instagram: @tulipvalleyfarms  🌷 Website: tulipvalley.com  🎙 Listen to Andrew’s podcast: Agri IQ  📧 Connect with Andrew: andrew@tulipvalley.com   LINKS The 8-Hour Marketing Plan — Build your one-day marketing roadmap  https://backpocketsocial.com/8hours Marketing Routine Class  https://backpocketsocial.com/plan Join the Farming On Purpose Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/farmingonpurpose Shop Farming on Purpose Merch  https://backpocketsocial.com/shop Our recommended software for online sales: Thrivecart  https://backpocketsocial--checkout.thrivecart.com/thrivecart-standard-account/ 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.

    52 min
  4. 10/12/2025

    Estate Planning, Hard Conversations, and the Future of Your Farm

    “Imperfect planning is still better than no planning. If you don’t talk about it now, the people you love are going to be in a really hard spot.”  In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I sit down with Jessica Groskopf, a Nebraska Extension Economist and fourth-generation farm wife who has spent over a decade helping families navigate some of the toughest conversations in agriculture: estate planning, farm transition, and preparing the next generation to lead.  Jessica blends her professional expertise with her lived experience farming alongside her husband, giving her a unique and deeply practical perspective on what it actually takes to protect a multigenerational operation. We talk about the difference between estate planning and succession planning, how to start when you feel overwhelmed, the six documents every family should gather before meeting with an attorney, and why honest conversations are the foundation of a strong future.  This episode is a must-listen for every generation on the operation — whether you’re thinking about stepping back or stepping in.    Key Topics:  The difference between estate planning and succession planning    The Great Wealth Transfer and why it impacts agriculture so heavily    Why a will is not enough to protect your farm or ranch    How to start transition planning when family dynamics feel complicated    The six critical items to prepare before meeting advisors    Navigating conflict, resistance, or avoidance in the ownership generation    Preparing financially to buy into or buy out the operation    Why difficult conversations lead to stronger families and stronger operations    How to update your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events    Building a future with intention, communication, and shared vision    You can find Jessica on Instagram at @jessicagroskopf for more resources and tools on farm business management.    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 117: Raising Kids, Cows, and Conversations: Paige Dulaney’s Real-Life Look at Ranching, Transition, and Family  Episode 115: Farm Accidents, Family, and Being Ready for the Unthinkable  Episode 120: Finding Where You Belong on the Farm or 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.

    1h 1m
  5. 06/05/2025

    Staying in the Game: The Story You're Telling Yourself This Season

    ”A topic we talk about on the podcast or have talked about several times is the stories that we tell ourselves and how much they matter and shape our daily lives.”  In this episode, I share why the Farming on Purpose podcast is shifting for summer and reflect on the stories we tell ourselves in agriculture. Inspired by The Psychology of Money, I explore how tail events—those rare, life-changing moments—shape our future, and why staying in the game matters more than chasing perfect formulas. It's a heartfelt reminder to keep showing up, even when the path feels uncertain.  Key Topics:  Why the podcast format is shifting for summer  The power of the stories we tell ourselves in farm life and business  Lessons from The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel  Understanding and responding to "tail events"  The importance of staying in the game during uncertain times  Balancing priorities as a mom, entrepreneur, and farmer  How beliefs and habits shape long-term success in agriculture  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 85: Resiliency: The Secret to Success in Farming and Ranching   Episode 37: Looking Beyond Your Starting Point with Karoline Rose Bohannan   Episode 14: Time vs. Money and Opportunity Cost 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.

    24 min
  6. 29/04/2025

    Raising Kids, Cows, and Conversations: Paige Dulaney’s Real-Life Look at Ranching, Transition, and Family

    ”We're not six year olds anymore. We're not children anymore. We're adult children and we're trying to raise our families too and continue a legacy. So there has to be grace on both sides.”  In this episode of Farming on Purpose, I visit with Paige Dulaney, a ranch wife and mom of three from northeast Colorado. We talk about balancing motherhood and ranching, the real-life challenges of farm transition, and raising kids to love the land. Paige shares honest insights about building a life in agriculture, bringing kids along for the work, and why open conversations are key to protecting your family's legacy.  Key Topics:  Balancing motherhood, ranch life, and family  Managing cattle across multiple counties  Navigating farm transition with family  Raising kids in agriculture and involving them in daily work  Importance of early conversations about farm succession  Building relationships in agriculture and rural communities  Finding peace with maintaining instead of constant growth  Hope for the future through connection and renewed interest in agriculture    You can find Paige on TikTok for more of her story and a behind-the-scenes look at life on the ranch.  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.

    45 min
  7. 22/04/2025

    The Real Roots of Regeneration

    (Insert audio file of the episode (or link to listen on Spotify/Apple Music/etc.)     ”We're trying to create awareness to critical issues and food production that are important to consumers.”  In this episode, I visit with Robby Sansom, CEO of Force of Nature, to explore what regenerative agriculture really means—and why more farmers and ranchers are starting to take a second look. We talk about his journey from corporate life to raising bison, how regenerative practices work in real life, and what shifting toward soil health and lower input systems can look like. Whether you're all-in or just curious, this is a conversation worth hearing.  Key Topics:  Robby’s personal story and how Force of Nature got started  What regenerative ag actually looks like in practice  The real challenges farmers face—and why it’s not about blame  How improving soil health can reduce risk and build long-term resilience  Practical steps for producers who want to explore regenerative approaches  Helping consumers understand the food system without needing a science degree    To connect with Robby or learn more about Force of Nature, check out their website, Instagram, and Twitter.   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 111: Building a Business That Works for Your Family and Your Farm   Episode 101: From Conventional to Regenerative: One Family's Journey to Building a Sustainable Farm   Episode 93: Finding Your Path to Homesteading: Lessons from Ryan Mitchell'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.

    1h 5m
  8. 15/04/2025

    Farm Accidents, Family, and Being Ready for the Unthinkable

    “  I think the biggest thing is just starting that conversation and thinking about it and like coming up with a plan that works for you and your family, and that's gonna look different for everybody based on how old your kids are, how much you trust your kids.”  When ER nurse and farm wife Katie Hammock started seeing farm injuries too often in the trauma center, she knew more could be done. In this episode, Katie shares practical tools and life-saving tips every farm family should know—plus how to prepare for emergencies, talk to your kids about safety, and handle the emotional aftermath of farm accidents. It’s a must-listen for anyone raising a family and running a farm.  Key Topics:  Common farm injuries and how to prevent them  Life-saving tools every farm should have (tourniquets, gauze, CPR shields, etc.)  How to respond in the first moments after a serious accident  Emergency planning when kids are with you  Teaching kids about farm safety without causing fear  Mental health after a farm injury—for both the injured and their families  How to direct emergency responders to rural fields or pastures  You can find the safety kits Katie talked about at www.thedairywife.com, and you can follow her on Instagram @thedairywife for more tips and insight.   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 98: From City Life to Farm Life: How Jessica Lewis Built Back to Roots Farm  Episode 60: Building Great Relationships with Your Rural Veterinarian    Episode 62: Your Life's Bingo Card and Flower Farming with Liz Fiedler of Sunny Mary Meadow 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.

    46 min

About

A podcast for farmers and ranchers ready to shift for a stronger future... Stronger farm families Stronger food systems Stronger rural legacies

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