Beyond The Crops

Latest Episodes:

116. Tackling Back-to-School Chaos, Farm Wife Style Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this episode, your hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are tackling a topic on every parent's mind: heading back to school. With a fantastic listener question, they dive into prepping advice, lunch ideas, and strategies for managing the morning chaos. Coming from two different perspectives this year—Mary Pat sending her kids to school and Jena embarking on her first year of homeschooling—this conversation is packed with practical tips and relatable truths for any family navigating this seasonal shift.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ A quick recap of their trip to Beck's Hybrids Technology Days.
✅ Prepping for the school year
✅ Strategies for mastering the morning rush
✅ Practical and easy breakfast and lunchbox ideas
✅ The importance of mindset: Giving yourself grace, using mantras to stay calm, and creating small connection rituals with your kids.
✅ A call for listeners to share their best back-to-school advice on Instagram.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Plan backwards, add cushion. The most effective way to build a successful morning routine is to figure out when you need to leave and plan every step backward from there, adding extra time for the unexpected.
✨ Prep the night before. A few minutes of prep—laying out clothes, packing what you can, and cleaning the kitchen—can save you immense stress the next morning.
✨ Establish a "drop zone." Designate a specific spot for all school-related items to land the second your kids walk in the door. It’s a game-changer for organization.
✨ Give yourself grace. Whether it's your first year with kids in school or you're starting a new homeschool journey, this is a huge transition. It won't be perfect, and that's okay.
✨ Find moments to connect. Amid the morning rush, find a small ritual—like a prayer, a song, or a specific question—to connect with your kids before they start their day.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As farmers, we pour so much trust into every decision. That's why we're proud to partner with Beck's Hybrids, a company built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937. Learn more at beckshybrids.com.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We're taking Jena's idea and running with it! Head over to our Instagram @beyondthecrops_ and find this week's episode post. In the comments, share your #1 best back-to-school tip for a busy farm family. Let's help each other out!

#BackToSchool #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #SchoolRoutines #MorningRoutine #Homeschooling #FarmKids #ParentingHacks #LunchboxIdeas #Sponsored

115. Everything You Didn't Know About Peanuts with Dena Malsom of the National Peanut Board Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops! In this episode, Jena and Mary Pat are joined by Dena Malsom, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Peanut Board, for a fascinating conversation that busts myths, shares surprising facts, and explores the story of this humble but mighty crop.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Meet Dena Malsom & her journey from corporate marketing to the National Peanut Board.
✅ Peanut Farming 101: How peanuts are grown (spoiler: underground!) and why they're so sustainable.
✅ The role of a commodity board in research, production, and consumer marketing.
✅ Why peanuts are a zero-waste, nitrogen-fixing, and water-efficient crop.
✅ Busting common myths about peanut nutrition and origins.
✅ The "Health Nut Club" initiative and strategies for engaging Gen Z consumers.
✅ Surprising and creative ways to eat peanuts (think pickles, fries, and breakfast sandwiches!).
✅ The surprisingly small number of farmers behind this mighty American crop.
✅ A global perspective on peanut consumption and America's unique love for peanut butter.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Peanuts are a surprisingly sustainable superfood, functioning as a zero-waste plant with low water usage and natural nitrogen-fixing properties that enrich the soil.
✨ The U.S. peanut industry is powered by a small but mighty group of only ~7,000 farmers who produce enough to feed the nation and beyond.
✨ Connecting with younger generations, like Gen Z, by highlighting sustainability, health benefits, and the story behind the food is crucial for the future of the crop.
✨ When you choose peanuts or peanut butter, you're choosing a food that is good for you and good for the planet.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What’s your favorite or most surprising way to eat peanuts or peanut butter? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

Links You'll Want After Listening:

NPB website: National Peanut Board
Health Nut Club: Join the Health Nut Club: Promoting On-the-Go Wellness with Peanuts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalpeanutboard/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nationalpeanutboard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-peanut-board

#Peanuts #NationalPeanutBoard #FarmLife #SustainableFarming #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #WomenInAg #AgMarketing #FarmHer #KnowYourFarmer #PeanutButter #Sponsored #BecksHybrids

114. Unpacking Our Dense Summer: Health Deep Dives, Family Memories, and Farm Updates Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops! Summer is in full swing, and for Jena and Mary Pat, it's been... dense. In this candid catch-up, they share the highs, lows, and hilarious chaos of a summer packed with family, travel, and unexpected health deep dives.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Catching up on a "dense but good" summer filled with intentional family time.
✅ Navigating grief and family togetherness, plus a hilarious "beef stick in the ear" funeral moment.
✅ The hilarious reality of toddler life, AKA living with a "feral raccoon."
✅ Fair life: Jena's first year as a 4-H mom vs. Mary Pat's demolition derby past.
✅ Jena's 10-year anniversary photos in her wedding dress.
✅ Health deep dives: Mary Pat’s vertigo update and Jena’s surprising 10-day detox results.
✅ Uncovering family heirlooms, from a vintage waffle maker to a canning hutch.
✅ Farm updates: Ag PhD Field Day chaos, garden wins, and timely rains.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Intentionality is key for a chaotic but happy summer.
✨ Family and humor are essential for navigating grief.
✨ Don't be afraid to advocate for your health and explore new solutions.
✨ Family heirlooms connect us to our past and find new purpose in the present.
✨ Embracing the chaos is the only way to survive (and enjoy) life with young kids.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What's been the highlight of your "dense" summer? Share your stories and tag us @beyondthecrops_!

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. As the largest family-owned retail seed company in the US, Beck's is built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture. Learn more about their commitment to helping farmers succeed at beckshybrids.com.

#DenseSummer #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FamilyTime #GriefAndHealing #CountyFair #HealthJourney #Detox #ParentingRealTalk #SummerAdventures

113. When Funerals Make You Rethink Everything: Phones, Family & What Matters Most Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Jena and Mary Pat share a conversation sparked by recent life events that have them thinking about legacy, the passage of time, and the ever-present challenge of managing screen time in a hyper-connected world. After the loss of both of her grandmothers just eight days apart, Jena shares the poignant realization that it often takes a funeral to bring the whole family together, leading to a heartfelt discussion about being truly present with the ones we love.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Jena shares the recent loss of her two beloved grandmothers.
✅ Reflecting on the legacy of their screen-free grandmothers' generation.
✅ Modeling healthy tech boundaries for our children.
✅ The challenge of having a phone-based job while parenting young kids.
✅ Actionable tips for reducing your own screen time
✅ Startling statistics on how often we really check our phones.
✅ The addictive, intentional design of social media and video games.
✅ Encouragement to be more intentional, even when it's hard.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ The time we have with loved ones is finite. Being present is a choice we must actively and intentionally make every day.
✨ Our relationship with our phones is what our children will model. Healthy boundaries and intentional disconnection start with us.
✨ Small, practical changes—like turning off notifications or moving apps off your home screen—can significantly reduce mindless scrolling and create space for real life.
✨ Meaningful memories are often built in the simple, screen-free moments—cooking in the kitchen, playing outside, or just being fully together.
✨ Don't wait for a major life event to prioritize family. Put the phone down, be present, and "call your grandma."

🙌 Join the Conversation!
This episode is a powerful reminder for all of us. What's one boundary you're setting with your phone to be more present with your family this week? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#ScreenTime #DigitalDetox #BeingPresent #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #Parenting #FamilyLegacy #Grandparents #IntentionalLiving #RuralLife

112. How to Actually Retire from Farming: Financial Planning & Estate Essentials with Jessica Groskopf Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Did you know a staggering 80% of farmers don't plan to fully retire, creating huge risks for the farm and family. In this crucial succession episode, we're tackling the tough questions about what happens when you can no longer work. Mary Pat and Jena are joined by ag economist Jessica Groskopf, to debunk financial myths and reveal the four essential estate documents every adult needs now to protect their legacy.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Why 80% of farmers don't plan to fully retire.
✅ Moving beyond the "the farm is my retirement" mindset.
✅ Planning for the staggering costs of long-term care.
✅ Debunking common retirement account myths.
✅ Retirement accounts designed for farmers (like the Solo 401k).
✅ The importance of building your professional "dream team."
✅ Asking the powerful question: "What is enough?"
✅ Why Mom can't be left out of the succession plan.
✅ The four essential estate documents every adult needs NOW.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Your body will likely make the retirement choice for you before you're ready. Planning ahead ensures the farm and your family are protected when you physically can no longer work.
✨ Building a trusted team of professionals (attorney, CPA, financial advisor) is non-negotiable for navigating the complexities of succession, retirement, and long-term care planning.
✨ Retirement accounts are flexible tools that can reduce tax liability, provide income for older generations, take pressure off the farm, and even help equalize inheritance for non-farming heirs.
✨ The most crucial, immediate step every adult should take is to establish the four basic estate planning documents: a will, a power of attorney, a power of attorney for healthcare, and a healthcare directive.
✨ Ask the tough questions now: "What is enough?" and "What do our sunset years look like?" These conversations are vital for creating a plan that serves every generation.

🔗 Connect with Our Guest:
Find Jessica and her incredible resources on Instagram @JessicaGroff. You can also find her free articles, webinars, and podcasts by searching for her name on the University of Nebraska Extension website.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What's one question this episode sparked for you about your own family's retirement or succession plan? What's one step you're taking to get the conversation started? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#SuccessionPlanning #FarmRetirement #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #EstatePlanning #WomenInAg #FarmFinance #FamilyFarm #GenerationalTransition #FinancialPlanning #LongTermCare

111. Thinking Outside the Box: How a "Crunchy" Approach to Agronomy Can Boost Your Farm's ROI with Faith Pierson Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they "think outside the box" with special guest and agronomist, Faith Pearson. In this eye-opening conversation, Faith Pierson (aka "The Crunchy Agronomist") challenges conventional wisdom and draws fascinating parallels between holistic human health and the health of our soil.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Holistic Soil Health vs. Traditional Agronomy
✅ Rethinking the Soil Test
✅ The "Makeup" Effect of Nitrogen
✅ The "Fence Row Effect"
✅ Challenging "The Way We've Always Done It"
✅ A Candid Conversation About Roundup (Glyphosate):
* Its history (did you know it was originally an industrial pipe cleaner?).
* How it works as a chelator and its potential impact on crops and soil biology.
* The importance of stewarding chemistries to combat weed resistance.
* Discussing how it's possible to farm with less, or even without, Roundup.
✅ Faith's "Hot Take": Her biggest challenge to the industry revolves around nitrogen rates and rethinking what's enough versus what's too much.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Just like in human health, addressing the root cause of an issue in the soil is more effective and sustainable than repeatedly treating the symptom.
✨ Traditional soil tests may not be giving you the full picture. A more holistic test can reveal your true limiting factors and prevent you from applying inputs that aren't providing a return on investment.
✨ Over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers can disrupt the natural soil microbiome, making your farm more dependent on inputs over time.
✨ Challenging "the way we've always done it" and being open to new methods is crucial for long-term soil health, resilience to weather events, and farm profitability.
✨ Taking one small, informed step—like getting a different kind of soil test—is the best way to begin the journey toward a healthier, more resilient farming operation.

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. Built on faith, family, and a love for agriculture since 1937, Beck's is committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. From localized support to research-backed insights, learn more about what they offer at beckshybrids.com.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What did you find most interesting about this conversation? Are you rethinking how you look at your own soil health? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_.

You can connect with Faith on X (formerly Twitter) @FaithLois12.

#SoilHealth #Agronomy #RegenerativeAg #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #WomenInAg #FarmingForTheFuture #HaneyTest #TheCrunchyAgronomist #Roundup #Glyphosate #FarmLife #Beckshybrids #Sponsored

110. Booty Slaps, Beef & Balance: A Candid Chat with Mary Pat's Husband, Josh Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this special episode, Mary Pat takes the host chair and brings on her husband, Josh, for a fun and lighthearted Q&A session. They pulled questions directly from listeners on Instagram, covering everything from this season's crop updates and farm dynamics to raising kids on the farm and keeping a marriage strong.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

If you want to be more involved in the farm operation, you have to voice it. Start the conversation and be flexible with the role you're given.
Open communication is the cornerstone of balancing work and marriage on the farm. Support each other's passions and find ways to work as a team.
It's possible to be a conventional farmer and still embrace a holistic lifestyle. The conversation is nuanced, and it's okay to question practices while still using necessary tools.
When raising kids on the farm, your attitude is everything. Show them you love what you do, and they're more likely to find joy in it too.
Whether it's farm meetings or family dinners, having some structure can help manage expectations and create intentional time for connection.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What's one question you'd love to ask a farmer or a farm husband? Send us a DM and let us know! Tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#FarmCouple #FarmLife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #AskAFarmer #FarmerHusband #MarriageOnTheFarm #FarmQandA #CarnivoreDiet #RaisingKidsOnTheFarm #FamilyFarm #Sponsored

109. How to Find Family Time When the Work is Never Done Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they dive into a conversation that’s close to the heart of every farm family: prioritizing family time amidst the never-ending demands of the farm.

With their different living situations—Jena on the farm and Mary Pat off—they offer unique perspectives on a universal challenge. They discuss the guilt, the blurred lines, and the intentional strategies they've developed to protect their family relationships and create lasting memories when it feels like the work is never done.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

Prioritizing family time on the farm is a conscious choice and a planned effort, not something that happens by accident.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution. A structured approach (scheduled days off) can work just as well as a fluid one (spontaneous time away), depending on your farm's needs and family dynamics.
Protect the relationships at all costs. The farm is important, but faith and family are the true foundation.
Incorporate simple, consistent family rituals, like "High Low Buffalo" at dinner or taking Sundays off, to create intentional space for connection.
It’s okay to break from "how it's always been done" to create a system that works better for your generation and protects your family's well-being.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What’s one way your family prioritizes time together during the busy seasons? Do you have a structured plan or do you go with the flow? Send us a DM and share your story! Tag us @beyondthecrops_.

#FarmLife #FamilyFarm #PrioritizingFamily #FarmWife #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyTime #Farming #GenerationalFarming #MarriageOnTheFarm #FarmRelationships #Sponsored

108. The Conversations That Will Save Your Farm Family's Future with Elaine Froese Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this powerful episode, hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are welcoming back a trusted expert in farm family dynamics, Elaine Froese. Elaine is a certified farm family coach, author, and speaker who specializes in helping families have the hard conversations necessary for a successful farm transition. This time, they're moving beyond initial communication and diving deep into the essential structures, mindsets, and actionable steps needed to create a lasting legacy and find harmony on the farm.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

Procrastination and conflict avoidance are killing agriculture. The best time to start transition planning is now, before a crisis forces your hand.
Transition planning is NOT a DIY project. A neutral, skilled facilitator or coach is crucial for navigating tough conversations and keeping the process on track.
Separate your meetings. Have regular operational meetings for the business team and intentional strategic meetings for the entire family to discuss vision, roles, and legacy.
Emotion has a place in these conversations. Approaching negotiations with a positive, cooperative spirit leads to better communication and outcomes.
Start with vision, not tactics. Understand what everyone wants for their life and the farm's future before getting bogged down in legal and financial details.
Don't wait. You are never too young (or too old) to start planting the seeds for a successful farm transition.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
What's one small step you can take this month to move your farm's transition plan forward? Have you ever worked with a facilitator? We'd love to hear your story! Tag us @beyondthecrops_.

Find Elaine Froese : Home - Elaine Froese | Canada’s Farm Whisperer | Your go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition

Elaine’s Podcast: Farm Family Harmony Podcast - Elaine Froese | Canada’s Farm Whisperer | Your go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition

Beyond Reason book: Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate

Ranching for Profit School - Learn how to transform your ranch.

BetterHelp | Professional Therapy With A Licensed Therapist

This episode of Beyond the Crops is brought to you by Beck's Hybrids. Built on faith, family, and a deep love for agriculture since 1937, Beck's is the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the US. They are committed to helping farmers succeed for generations. Learn more about their story and offerings at beckshybrids.com.

#FarmTransition #SuccessionPlanning #FarmFamily #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #FamilyBusiness #FarmSuccession #AgLegacy #Communication #ElaineFraise #FarmCoach #Agriculture

107. Weathering the Storms: Finding Faith & Resilience When Weather Rules the Farm Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, for an intentional conversation about a topic every farmer knows intimately: the weather. But this isn't just another weather report. They're diving into how weather impacts not just our operations, but also our hearts and emotions, and how we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and faith through it all.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✨ Weather is an uncontrollable force in farming that deeply impacts schedules, operations, and emotions.
✨ It's crucial to acknowledge and process the difficult emotions that come with weather-related challenges, but also to cultivate resilience and not let them rule your heart.
✨ Faith is an anchor in the unpredictable world of farming. Trusting in a plan bigger than our own can bring peace amidst the storms.
✨ Building mental, physical, and spiritual well-being during less stressful times equips us to better handle adversity when it strikes.
✨ Community and support are invaluable, especially when facing the aftermath of severe weather.
✨ Starting your day with intention (like reading God's word before engaging with the world) can significantly shift your mindset and reduce anxiety.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
How has weather impacted your farm or your emotions this season? What are your go-to strategies for staying resilient and hopeful when facing unpredictable conditions? Share your stories and insights with us in our Instagram DMs @beyondthecrops_.

#FarmWeather #ResilienceInAg #FaithAndFarming #BeyondTheCropsPodcast #FarmWife #MindsetMatters #WeatherWoes #CommunitySupport #RuralLife #MotherSonTrip #WyomingAdventures #WordBeforeWorld

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