#84 From Dairy Farm Dreams to Self-Made Farmer: Derek Penrod's Journey
“Buying the farm is probably the best not only personal but financial decision. Best decision for my family. It’s really opened up a quality of life that we wouldn't have had otherwise.”
Growing up on his family's dairy farm in Utah, Derek Penrod always knew he wanted to be a farmer. But with no clear path to take over the family operation, he had to forge his own way. Now, Derek runs a first-generation farm in Idaho, growing alfalfa and raising Scottish Highlander cattle.
In this week’s episode of the Farming on Purpose podcast, Derek shared his inspiring journey of becoming a self-made farmer while balancing family life and a full-time job.
Taking the Leap into Farming
In 2020, after years of dreaming and planning, Derek and his wife took a big risk. They sold their comfortable house in town and moved into a trailer on their newly purchased farmland - with no utilities.
"We basically camped for six months," Derek recalls. "It was pretty basic. Twice a week, I'd fill a 50-gallon barrel with water from the neighbors to pump into our trailer."
While the living situation was tough, Derek says it brought him and his wife closer together. It also showed her firsthand the blood, sweat and tears that go into farming.
"Her seeing that and understanding it has really opened her eyes to the importance of it," Derek explains. "I think she sees the value it's going to have in raising our kids."
Balancing Farm and Family
Now with a 4-month-old son, Derek is excited to share his love of farming with the next generation. His son has already spent plenty of time riding in the tractor cab.
But running a farm while working full-time and raising a family isn't easy. Derek's typical day starts early with farm work, transitions to his day job, then back to the farm in the evening.
"It's literal sunup to sundown and you're going all the time, especially in the summertime," he says.
Derek credits his wife's support as crucial to making it all work. While he handles most of the farm labor, she pitches in when needed and takes care of their son.
"There's not a lot of women who would sell their comfortable house in town and move into a trailer without utilities," Derek says. "She's just been a gamer the entire time and supported me 100 percent."
Advice for Aspiring Farmers
For others dreaming of starting their own farm, Derek's biggest advice is to really examine how badly you want it.
"There's a lot of people who say they want something, but they're not willing to get uncomfortable to do it," he explains. "If you're not willing to get uncomfortable, don't even try, because you're not going to make it."
He also recommends:
Using resources like FSA loans
Starting small and growing slowly
Having other income sources besides the farm
While the journey hasn't been easy, Derek has no regrets. "Buying the farm is probably the best decision for my family," he says. "It's really opened up a quality of life that we wouldn't have had otherwise."
You can follow Derek's farming journey on Instagram @self_made_farmer.
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Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
You may also enjoy…
#44 Our Farm Transition Story Part 1
#52 Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams
#69 Why 64% of Farm Transitions are Failing
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. I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.
