Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! This week, Jena and Mary Pat are asking the question "What is Total Acre, and is it worth it?" They're joined by two very special guests who are deep in the trenches with this high-yield network: Mary Pat's husband Josh and fellow Wisconsin farmer Caleb Walters. From the community and networking to the data-driven trials and mindset shifts, they're breaking down what it takes to be a member, the biggest benefits they've seen on their own operations, and why it's about so much more than just chasing bushels.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ What is Total Acre?
✅ The Power of the Network
✅ Data-Driven Trials
✅ The Commitment Involved
✅ The Best Time to Join
✅ A Special Offer for Listeners

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Community is a cheat code. Learning from the mistakes and successes of hundreds of other farmers gives you a massive head start and helps you make better decisions, faster.
✨ Pay attention to the details. The biggest gains often come from small, free adjustments—like planter settings, nutrient timing, and a deeper understanding of what the crop is telling you.
✨ Don't jump in all at once. When adopting new practices, "dip your toe in the water." Test on a small scale, see what works for your unique operation, and then expand.
✨ ROI is the real goal. Chasing high yields without considering the cost is a losing game. The best programs help you understand how to make more bushels with fewer or smarter inputs.
✨ Once you know better, you do better. The knowledge gained from a group like Total Acre changes your perspective permanently. You can't "unsee" the details that lead to a healthier, more profitable crop.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
Have you navigated tricky family business conversations? What's one piece of advice you'd give to another farm family in transition? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

Special Offer from Total Acre (Until Jan. 15, 2026!):
Use code PODCAST for a $500 discount on a first year membership with Total Acre. This discounted membership opportunity is only available until January 15, 2026, and will allow you to attend the Grower Clinic and End of Year Meetings that are happening right now.

Click here to fill out the form and claim your $500 discount!

This offer is only valid until January 15, 2026, so don't wait!

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Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! As the Advent season begins, Jena and Mary Pat are kicking off the holidays with a fun, rapid-fire Q&A episode, tackling a sleigh-full of listener questions. After opening with a beautiful prayer for a Christ-centered season, they dive into everything from favorite Christmas traditions and non-toy gift ideas to the hilarious realities of making adult friends. Get ready for a conversation packed with laughter, practical advice, and plenty of festive spirit!

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ A Prayer for Advent
✅ A Musical Tangent
✅ Rapid-Fire Christmas Q&A:
* Favorite Christmas Traditions
* Real vs. Fake Christmas Tree
* Gift Ideas for Farm Kids (That Aren't Toys!)
* Gift Ideas for Adults/Family
* Staying Organized at Christmas
✅ Making Adult Friends

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Keep Christ at the center of Christmas. In a season filled with materialism and busy schedules, intentionally focusing on the story of Jesus' birth brings peace and perspective.
✨ Experiences and skills make incredible gifts. For kids and adults who have enough "stuff," consider gifting tools, subscription boxes, or planning a special trip to create lasting memories.
✨ Protect your peace by setting boundaries. It's okay to say "no" to some gatherings to say "yes" to rest and quality time with your immediate family. The holidays don't have to be a frantic rush.
✨ Adult friendships look different, and that's okay. Friendships in adulthood are often about quality over quantity and understanding that you can pick up right where you left off, even after weeks apart.
✨ Invest in systems that simplify your life. Whether it's a better bookkeeping software like Traction Ag or a simple holiday tradition, finding what works for you reduces stress and creates more room for joy.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS:

Grounded Journals: Looking for a gift that truly lasts? Capture precious memories or organize big business goals with a Grounded Journal! With options for farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs, it's the perfect thoughtful present, and Mary Pat's customization event is on!

Good Life Beef: The secret's out! Jena's beef business has officially rebranded to Good Life Beef. Check out the beautiful new website and snag one of her curated holiday gift boxes—the perfect, practical gift for landlords, family, or yourself!

Farm Wife Tallow: Holiday goodies have arrived at Farm Wife Tallow! Snag the adorable new Mini Set for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer, get your hands on the limited-edition Renew scent, and don't forget the seasonal Pork Lard for the flakiest holiday pie crusts you've ever had.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
Have you navigated tricky family business conversations? What's one piece of advice you'd give to another farm family in transition? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Fresh off the Thanksgiving holiday, Jena and Mary Pat are back for a classic catch-up episode that's equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and helpful. They kick things off with a prayer for gratitude and peace as the holiday season begins. From there, they dive into everything from frustrating health updates and unlucky travel stories to decluttering tips, listener mail, and exciting news from their small businesses.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Health Updates & Holiday Recaps
✅ A Sweet Listener Voicemail
✅ Decluttering & Donating
✅ The Closet Sale Deep Dive
✅ Holiday Traditions & Prep
✅ Small Business Holiday Showcase: It's the busiest season for their businesses!

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Give yourself grace, especially when you're not feeling 100%. It's okay to slow down, ask for help, and prioritize your health, even during busy seasons.
✨ Be intentional about what you keep and what you gift. Decluttering your home creates a more peaceful space, and finding meaningful places to donate your items can bless others in your community.
✨ Start small with holiday traditions. You don't have to do it all. Pick one or two meaningful activities, like a daily reading or a simple advent calendar, to focus your family's hearts on the reason for the season.
✨ Your support for small businesses makes a huge impact. This holiday season, consider shopping from farm-wife-owned businesses for unique and thoughtful gifts.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Grounded Journals: Looking for a gift that truly lasts? Capture precious memories or organize big business goals with a Grounded Journal! With options for farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs, it's the perfect thoughtful present, and Mary Pat's customization event is on!

Good Life Beef: The secret's out! Jena's beef business has officially rebranded to Good Life Beef. Check out the beautiful new website and snag one of her curated holiday gift boxes—the perfect, practical gift for landlords, family, or yourself!

Farm Wife Tallow: Holiday goodies have arrived at Farm Wife Tallow! Snag the adorable new Mini Set for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer, get your hands on the limited-edition Renew scent, and don't forget the seasonal Pork Lard for the flakiest holiday pie crusts you've ever had.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
Have you navigated tricky family business conversations? What's one piece of advice you'd give to another farm family in transition? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!

Welcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! In this episode, Jena and Mary Pat are giving a real-time update on the end of harvest and answering some fantastic listener questions. They kick things off by responding to a heartfelt voicemail from a listener navigating a tough season, which leads to an encouraging conversation about finding your place, embracing change, and trusting God's plan. From there, they dive into a fun and practical Q&A, covering everything from decluttering tips to the realities of homeschooling.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Responding to a Listener Voicemail
✅ Decluttering Before the Holidays
* The "Poop Test": A hilarious but effective question to ask yourself: "If there was poop on this, would I clean it or throw it away?" If you'd throw it away, you probably don't need it!
* The "Cooling Zone": Mary Pat's strategy of putting items in a temporary box before getting rid of them for good.
* Start Small & Be Intentional: How to tackle overwhelming spaces one drawer at a time and be intentional about what you bring back into your home.
✅ Answering Your Questions!
* Homeschooling "Why": Jena recaps her family's journey to homeschooling—from the daily chaos of a traditional school schedule to feeling a lack of quality time, and finally, Stetson himself asking to be more involved on the farm.
* Family Vacations: Their favorite family getaways, from an off-the-grid trip to Canada to a beloved family cabin in Northern Wisconsin.
* Decluttering (More!): A discussion on getting kids involved in the decluttering process and teaching them responsibility for their spaces.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ You are not alone in your struggles. Every farm family faces hard seasons, tough conversations, and periods of uncertainty. There is hope and redemption on the other side.
✨ When facing a trial, ask, "What is God trying to teach me?" Shifting your perspective from "Why me?" to "What can I learn?" opens the door for growth and understanding.
✨ Decluttering your space declutters your mind. Creating physical breathing room in your home can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being, especially during busy seasons.
✨ It's okay to pivot when something isn't serving your family. Whether it's a school schedule or a business venture, have the courage to make a change if your current path is causing more chaos than connection.
✨ Invest in your family's harmony. Prioritizing communication and seeking outside help for succession planning is one of the most important investments you can make in your farm's future.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
Have you navigated tricky family business conversations? What's one piece of advice you'd give to another farm family in transition? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this candid catch-up episode, Jena and Mary Pat dive into the realities of the late-harvest season and the unique pressures it brings. From navigating the "double whammy" of harvest and hunting season to sharing hilarious family stories this conversation is the perfect mix of laughter and life lessons.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ A Prayer for Harvest & Health
✅ Funny Hunting Stories
✅ Food, Glorious Food
✅ Marriage, Faith, and "Love and Respect"
✅ Sermon Takeaways & God's Promises
✅ And Yes, Fart Stories

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Embrace the season you're in. Whether it's the beautiful chaos of harvest, the quiet of a hunting weekend, or a season of learning in your marriage, find the joy and lessons in your current reality.
✨ A strong marriage is a choice. Biblical principles like "Love and Respect" provide a roadmap for meeting your spouse's needs and choosing to honor your covenant with them and with God daily.
✨ God's promises are an anchor. In a world that feels chaotic, remembering that God's word is true and His promises are always kept provides a deep and abiding peace.
✨ Don't be afraid to experiment! In the kitchen and in life, trying new things—even if they "fail" like chocolate egg pudding—is part of the fun and learning process.
✨ Laughter is a gift. Don't take life so seriously that you can't laugh at the ridiculous, hilarious, and sometimes gassy moments of family life.

✨ Investing in communication is investing in your future. Taking the time to work on your family dynamics is one of the highest-return investments you can make for the longevity of your farm.
✨ If you feel stuck, take action. Don't wait for a crisis to force a conversation. Proactively seeking help is a sign of strength and a commitment to your family's future.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
Have you navigated tricky family business conversations? What's one piece of advice you'd give to another farm family in transition? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Special Offer from Elaine Froese (Nov. 17-21 ONLY!):
Ready to get unstuck and build harmony in your farm family? Elaine is offering a special flash sale on her membership program exclusively for our community. This is the ONLY time she opens enrollment all year!

Click here to learn more and sign up!

Use code CROPS at checkout for a special discount on your first month.

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!

Welcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! Jena and Mary Pat are here to answer your questions! From practical questions about their favorite cab snacks and how to monetize social media, to thoughtful discussions on Bible study and navigating holiday family schedules, this episode is packed with stories, tips, and plenty of fun tangents.

What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Harvest Updates
✅ A Tangent on Farm Laundry
✅ Things We're Loving Lately
✅ Answering Your Questions!
* Bible Study Ideas: Where to start if you're new to reading the Bible.
* Favorite Family Vacations: Jena recounts their amazing, off-the-grid trip to a cabin in Canada, while Mary Pat shares her love for their family's cabin in Northern Wisconsin.
* Making Money on Social Media: A transparent breakdown of how they earn an income, including paid partnerships, affiliate marketing, UGC, and the surprising power of monetizing on Facebook.
* Favorite Cab Snacks for Kids: Bento box ideas, Paleo Valley beef sticks, bone broth protein, and more.
* Dividing Time with Family During the Holidays: Strategies for navigating multiple family gatherings and setting boundaries to protect your own family's time.
💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Find what works for you. Whether it's laundry detergent, skincare, or a family vacation, what fills one person's cup might not fill yours. It's all about finding what aligns with your family's needs and values.
✨ Set holiday boundaries with love. It's okay to say "no" or to create new traditions that prioritize your immediate family's peace and connection.
✨ Every family, farm, and person has a unique story. From historic tables to funny harvest breakdowns, these are the stories that make up the beautiful fabric of our lives.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Farm Wife Tallow: Mary Pat is a forever fan of the tallow body butter, especially the signature Heirloom scent

The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller: Jena's go-to for de-puffing and soothing her face and neck.

The Five Minute Journal: This is the gratitude journal we both swear by to help retrain our brains.

3 Farm Daughters Pasta: A farm-family-owned pasta we love. It’s delicious and made with high-quality wheat. (use code: JENA)

Country Save Laundry Detergent: Mary Pat's go-to bulk, non-toxic powder detergent.

Solely Fruit Strips: Another clean and simple snack for the tractor cab or lunchbox.

The Seed Life Cookbook: We're both loving the recipes from this cookbook, including the apple crisp and cheeseburger Alfredo pasta Jena mentioned.

Everyday Gospel Bible: Mary Pat's recommendation for a "Bible in a Year" style devotional that's all contained in one book.

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation o

Welcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! In this raw and relatable harvest season check-in, Jena and Mary Pat get real about what it's like to navigate the busiest time of year when life throws you curveballs. Mary Pat opens up about feeling defeated after another vertigo episode sidelines her from the field, leading to a heartfelt conversation about self-preservation, giving yourself grace, and the pressures we put on ourselves. From harvest updates and homeschool realities to field meal ideas and tips for staying sane, this episode is a perfect front-porch chat for anyone in the thick of it.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Harvest Updates (and Breakdowns)
✅ The Pressure to Push Through
✅ Homeschooling Through Harvest
✅ Staying Organized Amid the Chaos
✅ Field Meal Favorites & Ideas

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Give yourself grace to rest. Your health and well-being are more important than one more pass in the field. Listening to your body isn't a weakness; it's a necessity for long-term endurance.
✨ Busy seasons require flexible routines. Whether it's homeschooling or a traditional school schedule, having a morning anchor point can bring calm to the chaos, but be prepared to adapt as the season demands.
✨ It's okay to not be okay. Harvest is a high-stress season. It's normal to feel defeated, overwhelmed, and emotional. Acknowledge your feelings and lean on your support system.
✨ Decluttering creates calm. An organized space can significantly reduce mental stress. If your house feels constantly chaotic, it might be a sign you still have too much stuff.
✨ You are your child's best teacher in perseverance. How you handle breakdowns, setbacks, and challenges on the farm is a powerful lesson for your kids on how to work hard and push through difficulties.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear a cherished memory you have of your grandmother. Share a story with us on Instagram and tag @beyondthecrops_. And if you have a question or a story to share, don't forget you can leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ready for Jena's secret weapons for rave-reviewed field meals? Grab the amazing, farm-grown 3 Farm Daughters pasta (use her code JENA for a discount!) and the Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple cookbook, which is a total steal on Amazon right now!

Ready to trade the comparison trap for a daily dose of gratitude? Grab The Five Minute Journal we both swear by!

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!

Welcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! In this insightful and highly relatable episode, Jena and Mary Pat are tackling a thief that steals joy and paralyzes progress: comparison. After a quick harvest update filled with rain delays and breakdowns, they dive deep into why we compare, how it shows up in the ag world, and the practical, powerful steps you can take to break free. From social media pressures to finding your unique role on the farm, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop looking sideways and start moving forward.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ The Roots of Comparison in Ag
✅ Looking Beyond the Highlight Reel
✅ Finding Freedom in Your Role
✅ Practical Ways to Combat Comparison:
* Finding Your Alignment
* Keeping an Open Hand
* The Power of Gratitude
* Limiting Your Scroll
* Asking the Right Questions

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Comparison paralyzes you; it doesn't propel you forward. When you're constantly looking sideways at what others are doing, you can't see the path God has laid out right in front of you.
✨ If you're struggling with comparison, check your alignment. Often, intense feelings of comparison are a sign that you're not living in the role or season that truly fills your cup. Use it as a signal to reflect on what you really want.
✨ Gratitude is the antidote to comparison. Intentionally practicing gratitude, especially by physically writing it down, retrains your brain and guards your peace against the thief of comparison.
✨ Everyone has an unseen story. You never know the full picture of someone else's life, including the sacrifices, stress, and struggles behind their success. Focus on your own journey.
✨ God's plan for you is unique. He gave you specific gifts for your family and your farm for a reason. Embrace your unique role and trust the path He has for you (Galatians 6:4-5).

🙌 Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear a cherished memory you have of your grandmother. Share a story with us on Instagram and tag @beyondthecrops_. And if you have a question or a story to share, don't forget you can leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ready to trade the comparison trap for a daily dose of gratitude? Grab The Five Minute Journal we both swear by!

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.

Leave us a Voice Message!
We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!

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