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. 2 DAYS AGO

    Milking More Than Cows: Diversifying the Farm Through Storytelling, Farm Camp, and Purpose

    “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:  Navigating family transition on a multi-generation dairy farm    Knowing when “enough cows” is enough    Launching farm camp and agritourism with minimal overhead    Overcoming fear around opening the farm to the public    Diversifying income without abandoning production agriculture    Using social media to tell your farm story without burnout    Setting boundaries, handling criticism, and staying authentic online    Embracing failure, pivots, and being multi-passionate in agriculture      LINKS  Follow Milk’n Mamas on Instagram: @milknmamas  Find Daluge Farm on Facebook  Follow Milk’n Mamas on 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.

    36 min
  2. 3 FEB

    Why Farm Succession Planning Can’t Wait: Conversations, Control, and the Future of Our Land

    “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:  Why farm succession planning can’t be postponed  The risks of waiting too long to start the conversation  How to structure productive family meetings  Why succession planning is operational—not just legal  Managing control and change across generations  Communication challenges inside family-run operations  Succession planning for small, part-time, or diversified farms  What to look for in a qualified farm succession planner  Preparing the next generation without forcing outcomes    You can learn more about Heidi and her work at pathfinderlegacy.com, or reach out directly at heidi@pathfinderlegacy.com. 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.

    40 min
  3. 20 JAN

    Ranch Roots, Rhinestones & Real Life: Carrying Western Culture Through Music with Olivia Harms

    “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:  Growing up on a sixth-generation ranch and carrying agricultural heritage forward    Using music as a platform to advocate for agriculture and Western culture    Behind-the-scenes realities of national television and music competition shows    Balancing ranch life, marriage, and a self-employed creative career    Burnout, creativity, and reconnecting with what matters most    Writing authentic music rooted in real-life experiences    Advice for dreamers pursuing unconventional or creative careers    LINKS  Follow Olivia Harms and explore her music, tour dates, and merch:  https://www.oliviaharms.com  Follow Olivia on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok:  @oliviaharmsmusic  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.

    34 min
  4. 13 JAN

    Raising More Than Livestock: Building a Multi-Generation Direct-to-Consumer Farm Business

    “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:  Transitioning from a multi-generation farm to a direct-to-consumer meat market  Processing challenges and how to work with the right partners  Pricing meat for sustainability — not comparison  Managing inventory, bundles, and value-added products  Using Facebook Live and TikTok to grow a local and regional customer base  Navigating family roles, succession, and hard conversations  Faith, resilience, and staying the course during hard seasons    LINKS  Sign up for the Schultz Country Market shipping waitlist:  https://www.schultzcountrymarket.com  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.

    56 min
  5. 9 JAN

    Finding Where You Belong on the Farm or Ranch

    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.

    49 min
  6. 9 JAN

    The First Acres: Honest Lessons from Beginning the Farm Journey

    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.

    34 min
  7. 30/12/2025

    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
  8. 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

About

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

You Might Also Like