Davian McKnight: Building Legacy with Land Investing

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly insightful Davion McKnight—veteran, farmer, real estate investor, and community advocate. From a viral hunting reel to a deep dive into his philosophies around land stewardship and regenerative agriculture, Davion shares the powerful story of how he turned personal discipline and curiosity into a multi-faceted life mission.

We explore how his upbringing, military service, and love for the outdoors shaped his vision for building generational wealth and self-sufficiency through land ownership. Whether you’re interested in real estate, farming, personal development, or just want to hear a raw, purpose-driven perspective, this conversation will leave you both informed and inspired.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:03] - How a hunting video sparked a conversation worth having

[2:58] - Davion introduces himself and his mission of community education

[5:06] - A childhood shaped by challenges and the fork in the road that led to the Marines

[7:17] - From sharecropping roots to farming: reclaiming land and legacy

[10:36] - The mindset shift from service to investment

[12:13] - Why “Lifting Weights and Real Estate” is more than just a handle

[15:14] - Scaling a real estate portfolio and investing in community

[21:07] - What sparked Davion’s return to the land and starting a 64-acre farm

[24:08] - Creative pathways to land ownership for everyday people

[29:13] - Building a content platform by staying true to purpose

[35:05] - Resources and programs for veterans in agriculture

[38:35] - A real look at regenerative farming and redefining what a “farm” is

[48:08] - Public land threats, conservation, and what we stand to lose

[56:18] - Animal welfare, ethical food, and what factory farming hides from you

[57:30] - Davion’s elevator pitch on legacy, knowledge sharing, and stewardship

Quotables

• “Every time a matriarch or patriarch leaves this place, a library burns down.”
• “People don’t want to feel vulnerable, but even when you say good things or bad things—you’re still saying something.”
• “You might see a commercial for a high-end car, but you’ve never seen one that tells you to buy land. That’s intentional.”
• “Land is the greatest asset available. It begins and ends with land. You can’t do anything without it.”
• “My health and my wealth go hand in hand—because neither can wait.”
• “When you mitigate food insecurity, you solve a lot of a community’s problems.”
• “The goal isn’t just ownership—it’s stewardship.”

Links & Resources

• Follow Davion McKnight on Instagram: @liftingweightsandrealestate
• Learn more about the Farmer Veteran Coalition: https://farmvetco.org
• Watch Joel Salatin’s work on regenerative farming: Polyface Farms
• Learn about the Utah public lands controversy: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

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