Telling the Stories of Farmers and Working Through an Empty Next with Lisa Foust Prater

Summary

In this conversation, Lisa Foust Prater shares her journey of balancing family life and a career in agriculture journalism. She discusses the transition to an empty nest, the evolution of her family's farming practices, and the importance of storytelling in agriculture. Lisa emphasizes the value of print media in a digital age and her commitment to mentoring younger colleagues in her field. She reflects on the challenges of managing work and family, especially during the early years of motherhood, and the creative solutions she found to maintain that balance. In this conversation, Lisa Foust Prater shares her experiences balancing work and family life, particularly during the early years of parenting. She discusses the challenges of remote work before it became mainstream, especially in rural areas with limited internet access. Lisa offers heartfelt advice to younger parents, emphasizing the importance of savoring moments with their children. The discussion also delves into the joy of cookbooks and family recipes, highlighting how food serves as a connection to cherished memories and traditions. In this conversation, Lisa Foust Prater shares her experiences and insights on parenting, the emotional challenges of preparing for her children to leave for college, and the transition into the empty nest phase. She discusses the complexities of caregiving for aging parents while raising her own children, emphasizing the importance of mental health and seeking help. The conversation also touches on the joys of raising kids on a farm, the significance of celebrating life through party planning, and the need for kindness in today's world.

See Lisa's Stories on Successful Farming Here: https://www.agriculture.com/author/lisa-foust-prater

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Takeaways

• I'm kind of growing an empty nest.
• We used to raise cattle.
• I love talking to farmers.
• Print media is not dead.
• I love looking through old issues.
• I want to support these young folks.
• I had three kids in four years.
• I worked part time from home.
• I was there when my kids got off the bus.
• We tried a lot of different things. Balancing work and family requires flexibility and creativity.
• Remote work can be challenging, especially in rural areas.
• It's common for parents to feel overwhelmed; you're not alone.
• Savoring moments with children is crucial as they grow up.
• Cookbooks hold stories and tested recipes that are valuable.
• Food is a way to express love and create memories.
• Planning is essential for managing work and family responsibilities.
• Sharing family recipes keeps traditions alive.
• Nostalgia in cooking can strengthen family bonds.
• Embracing help from grandparents can ease parenting challenges. Parenting young children can be exhausting and challenging.
• The transition to college brings emotional upheaval for parents.
• Empty nesting allows for new opportunities and self-discovery.
• Caring for aging parents while raising children is a balancing act.
• Therapy can provide essential support during tough times.
• Raising kids on a farm teaches valuable life lessons.
• Celebrating life through parties can be fulfilling and meaningful.
• Kindness and support for others is crucial in today's society.
• It's important to express feelings and not bottle them up.
• Finding joy in the little things can help navigate life's challenges.

Chapters

• 00:00 Growing Through Change
• 02:58 The Journey of Farming and Family
• 06:06 Finding Stories in Agriculture
• 09:00 The Evolution of Successful Farming
• 11:49 The Value of Print Media
• 14:56 Mentorship Across Generations
• 17:59 Balancing Work and Family Life
• 34:47 Navigating Remote Work Challenges
• 37:43 Advice for Younger Parents
• 40:43 The Joy of Cookbooks and Family Recipes
• 52:51 Nostalgia in Cooking and Family Traditions
• 58:20 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Young Children
• 01:00:37 The Emotional Journey of Preparing for College
• 01:03:33 Embracing the Empty Nest Phase
• 01:06:14 Coping with Loss and Caregiving Responsibilities
• 01:10:15 The Importance of Mental Health and Seeking Help
• 01:14:34 Lessons Learned from Raising Kids on a Farm
• 01:16:18 Celebrating Life Through Party Planning
• 01:21:15 Promoting Kindness in a Mean World