“ I sometimes pinch myself. It's hard. Ranching isn't easy. It's not easy and I don't want to give that impression, but to get to do what you love so much and are so passionate about it…”
Laura Hicks started ranching at 19, building from nothing alongside her husband Mike in South Dakota. They went from running others' cattle to developing their own herd while raising two sons who now ranch with them. Through health battles, tough seasons, and the challenges of passing down the operation, Laura's story shows how faith, grit, and family can build something lasting. Her journey from a two-room house with no running water to a successful multi-generational ranch proves that success comes in many forms.
Key Topics:
Starting from scratch at age 19 and building a ranch with no initial land or cattle
Raising kids while ranching - managing safety and developing work ethic
Herd development through replacement heifers and improving cattle temperament
Multi-generational transition - bringing sons into the operation
Diversification through sheep operation
Managing health challenges as a ranch family
Balancing ranch life with other pursuits (writing books, dog trials)
Homeschooling while ranching
Role of faith and community in ranch success
To connect with Laura and learn more about her story, visit her website or find her on Instagram and Facebook.
LINKS
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Other Episodes You May Enjoy:
Episode 68: Getting Started with Stockdogs
Episode 54: Growing a Heritage Sheep Operation in California
Episode 34: Irons in the Fire with Ranch Mom Jesse Thompson
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.
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