“I feel like we’re able to do what we do because we have evolved over time.”

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lydia Hiesterman. Lydia shared a little about her family’s farm operation and the complexities that come with farming with multiple families. Lydia expressed the value of planning and farm succession and shared her personal experience with farm succession. Lydia also gave advice on how to find and select a financial advisor that would work for you and your family’s needs.

“It's not realistic for most of us at this point in time to assume that we can be completely independent of the food system and what it has evolved to be."

In this episode, I talk about a topic that I find very important and has been on my mind for quite some time. Safe and accessible food is a privilege and one I believe everyone should have. In this episode, I explain what quality food is and how it can be different for everyone. I also share my experience with disconnection from food and how it has shaped my thinking about food. I also share my experience with the food shortage that I experienced during peak COVID times and the realization that hit me. I would really love to hear what you think and have to say about food accessibility, so please reach out so we can continue this important and impactful conversation!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Marli Scarborough about a topic I love, efficiency and productivity. First, Marli shared that with the passing of her mother, roles and responsibilities on the ranch had to adjust. Along with her dad and two younger brothers, they are figuring out what works for them in their operation. On the topic of efficiency and productivity, Marli and I both share methods that work for use. I love hearing how others operate day-to-day to see if there is anything I can use for myself or my farm.

In this episode, I wanted to share the importance of making sure you put a value on your time because like the saying, “time is money.” This might be a difficult perspective to view as a farmer or a business owner, but if you think of it as, “how much would I have to pay someone else to do this task?” then it is clearer to see the value of your time doing that task. Then you have to think about, “am I using my time in a way that is cost-effective to my operation?” All of these questions are important to keeping your farm or business on track as well as making sure your time is being spent doing things or investing in things that align with your goals and values.