#81 Choosing Your Path
“I believe that farming and agriculture give us an incredible sense of purpose because we have a job to do and we show up to do it everyday.”
In farming, family life and business often mix together. We're not just running farms – we're raising families and shaping futures. Today, I'm sharing my journey of balancing motherhood and running a business in agriculture.
The Motherhood Motivation
"What I mean when I say I have four kids" – this phrase I often use means more than just how many children I have. It represents why I changed my career and life to better serve both my family and my love for agriculture.
For many farm moms, starting or growing a business isn't just about making money. It's about creating a life that matches our values and lets us be there for our kids while following our farming dreams.
A New Way of Working
The usual 9-to-5 job doesn't always work well with farm life or raising a family. My switch to running my own business shows a growing trend among farm families:
"To best use my skills in a way that was rewarding to me and my kids, it made much more sense for me to be self-employed."
This change allows for:
Flexibility to meet family needs
The ability to get help from others when needed
Chances to show our kids the value of hard work and passion
Setting an Example for Our Kids
One of the best things about being a mom and business owner in farming is the example we set for our children. As I like to say:
"I want to show my kids every day that they can live by their own rules, if they work hard at it, and if they make the right choices."
This way of thinking is so important in farming, where adapting to change and thinking creatively can make a big difference.
Doing Work That Matters
For many of us in farming, our work is more than just a job – it's what we're meant to do. I feel this way too:
"Working with different clients on things I believe in makes me more passionate and lets me make a difference in things I care about."
This sense of purpose drives many farm moms to try new things, come up with new ideas, and create businesses that not only support our families but also help our farming community.
Focusing on Effort, Not Perfection
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that effort matters more than being perfect:
"It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where change happens."
This way of thinking is so important for anyone balancing being a mom and running a business, especially in the unpredictable world of farming.
Key Ideas for Farm Moms in Business
Your family can inspire you to try new things in business
Define success in your own way
Use your business to teach your kids important lessons
Focus on daily efforts rather than trying to be perfect
Let your farming purpose guide your choices
Remember, whether you're taking care of animals, growing crops, or starting a new farm-related business, your role as a mom and business owner is shaping the future of farming. Your daily efforts, guided by what you care about and what you're passionate about, are the seeds of change in our industry. By embracing flexibility, leading by example, and focusing on purpose-driven efforts, we're not just raising families – we're growing the future of agriculture.
If you would like to support the podcast or be a part of the conversation join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
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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.
