Have you ever just known that you could be best friends with someone? That’s exactly how I feel about this week’s Female Farmer Friday, Loagan Robinson. I discovered Loagan through her podcast, and from the first episode I just knew we could be friends. She is so motivating and encouraging, and her passion for goal setting, and being intentional is contagious. She has interviewed some amazing female farmers and ranchers, and I’m glad I have the chance to share more information about Loagan herself.
✵ Sara Beth

Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hi! My name is Loagan Robinson, I am a 27 year old, first generation rancher, living in Montana with my husband and our collection of animals.

What type of farm do you have?

I raise all natural, grass fed and finished beef in the heart of Montana’s Ranching country. Something that is unique with my Ranching business is that I created a podcast and agricultural movement for aspiring first generation ranchers by an aspiring first generation rancher. It is The Ranching Brunette Podcast, I host it weekly on all podcast platforms where I interview others succeeding in the industry, sharing their struggles and successes, in hopes of encouraging and aspiring others wanting to do the same.

How long have you been farming?

I am still new to the game with less than three years under my belt in raising beef. I started out as a horse trainer and ran my own training and boarding facility when I discovered the documentary on Animal Planet called “Last American Cowboy” when it was first released. I was absolutely mesmerized with every bit of it and new I had to be apart of the lifestyle…so a long story short, that’s when I discovered my calling and after several years of figuring out “how” I am now so grateful to say I’m in it, even if just on a small scale and growing.

Do you have an off-farm job?

Yes, I work full time and have a long commute on top of that. I always encourage folks just getting started to keep a day job to help finance their business goals until it can replace that income. Just make sure it’s something you enjoy doing and the environment isn’t a toxic one, you are trading your time and service for a salary, not your sanity and well being. No amount of money is worth that sacrifice. Make sure the time you are trading is worth the job you are in. So important for your well being!

Please share with us one of the biggest struggles you have with farming.

Being a first generation rancher, the biggest struggle for me has been purchasing all the equipment needed and finding land to grow on. Unfortunately, time and land are not renewable resources. However, it’s still possible and I go in depth on a few episodes of my podcast detailing how I’ve overcome these challenges and how they have helped me to be more innovative and patient. There is always a way, always.

What is something about your farm life that you think would surprise most people?

I think what surprises most people, is that it’s nothing like what they see on TV. When we have folks come out for the first time to experience our lifestyle they realize just how much dirt these animals like to share with you! It’s funny to watch them wash their hands and be shocked at how much dirt comes off just from experiencing the lifestyle for a few hours. Even though I’ve been around the “smell” my entire life and no longer smell it, it always cracks me up when folks say the horses and cows stink more than they thought it would and ask us how we “handle all the poop”. Well, typically with a shovel or a tractor bucket, ha!

Can you share one of your long-term goals for your farm?

Oh for sure! My long term goal is to grow to 100 cow/calf pairs. In order to accomplish this, I would need to purchase more property as we would definitely outgrow what we currently have, so that is the next big goal to tackle in order to accomplish my 100 pairs. The ultimate goal in 10 years is for my operation to replace my husband and I’s income from our day jobs so we can do this 24/7.

If you had the chance to tell one thing to someone without any first hand knowledge of the farming industry, what would it be?

Always ask a farmer or rancher firsthand, before anyone else. Have questions? Find out where your food comes from by the person who actually grows or raises it.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about agriculture?

I think, currently, it’s that the agricultural industry doesn’t care about our impact on the environment. Which blows my mind, considering the fact that if we compared the impact per acre of agriculture, to per acre of subdivisions, shopping centers or concrete jungles on the environment it surely would crush a lot of these misconceptions. Folks in agriculture spend their days tending to the land and improving it, when no one else will. Day in and day out, no matter what time of day or the weather conditions. The saddest part is the folks who have created these false beliefs usually have more than one vehicle and zip through the Starbucks line buying drinks in one time use plastics every day, which again, has more impact than our livestock or crops ever have. We are such a small percentage of the impact, yet we seem to be in the spotlight on this. My favorite counter statements to these false beliefs are: If you eat, you support agriculture. No matter what, whether you are vegan or not. We cannot survive without agriculture. An industry that feeds you, is an industry that’s worth fighting for. This is something that I get really passionate about as the ignorance and misconceptions outside of the agricultural industry needs to end.

What is something you are deeply passionate about?

For me? Outside of Ranching, I would have to say showing people how to lead more positive and intentional lives. How to embrace the attitude of gratitude and learning that if the only thing they can control in life is their outlook and attitude, then they can truly change their whole world. I love learning about this topic and how the human mind works and sharing this with people in my life. It’s amazing what it’s done in my life and I’m on fire to share this, in hopes of watching someone be able to do the same.

What are a few podcasts and books you think everyone should check out?

For podcasts, even though it’s outside of our industry, I would strongly encourage you to listen to The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher and The Fallon Taylor Podcast. So much insight and wisdom in those! For books, definitely The Secret and The Power, both by Rhonda Byrne. I mention these a lot in my podcast and the amazing impact they have had by implementing the knowledge in them. Incredible! I read them both yearly.

If people want to follow your farm journey, where can they find you?

I’d be so honored if you would give me a follow on Instagram @theranchingbrunette and subscribe to my podcast, wherever you listen to them, The Ranching Brunette Podcast. You can also check out my website www.theranchingbrunette.com for even more exciting stuff! While you are there, be sure to sign up on our email list to be subscribed to our upcoming, quarterly, emagazine!

Readers, I just wanted to wrap up by saying Thank You to Loagan, and encourage you to check out her podcast. Fun Fact, tomorrow, August 3rd, I’m the featured guest on her podcast. Her and I chat about our operation, why we run goats and cattle in the same pasture, and the diversity of agriculture in Arkansas. While she mainly focuses on the beef industry, she shares some great tips for all of us in the agriculture industry! Also, she’s recently launched her t-shirt line “Get America Ranching Again” and you should totally check it out!