Rooted in Resilience with Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen

Rooted in Resilience with Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen

On this episode, I sit down with Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—a nurse practitioner, flower farmer, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and host of the Rooted Agritourism podcast. Liz’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and building something beautiful from unimaginable loss. In 2020, Liz found herself facing difficult decisions about family, legacy, and the future of a fifth-generation Minnesota farm. What began as a small flower stand at the end of her driveway soon grew into a thriving agritourism destination, wedding flower business, and event venue that now welcomes visitors from across the region. In this conversation, Liz shares how agriculture has always been part of her roots, why flowers became a source of healing during grief, and how she transformed a historic family farm into a revenue-generating business designed to serve future generations. From navigating risk and entrepreneurship to discussing social media, agritourism, motherhood, and legacy, Liz offers a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't go according to plan, growth is still possible. This is a conversation about grit, purpose, and learning how to bloom anyway. Lets get dirty with Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen! Socials/Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-fiedler-mergen-54aab3321/ [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Forcdn.com%2Fclick%3Fredirect%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.linkedin.com%252Fin%252Fliz-fiedler-mergen-54aab3321%252F%26dID%3D1778700151638%26hashId%3Dec7f59b08e3af1fa1ba031ae1d072cc5384305e787333e4fa39682a4fb14ea87cf5457%26linkName%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fliz-fiedler-mergen-54aab3321%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cemily.strong%40rfdtv.com%7C7b784d978846447907f708deb125158b%7Cc839896a315c428db7229ad7a4f46878%7C0%7C0%7C639142970047778202%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c4DU7V%2Bcz3LPRqqJdPPVuL3MGnx%2B%2BF557V6GS9f9auM%3D&reserved=0] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnymarymeadow [https://www.facebook.com/sunnymarymeadow] Website: Sunny Mary Meadow – Beautiful Handpicked Flowers & Custom Floral Arrangements [https://sunnymarymeadow.com/] Instagram: Dr. Liz: https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/ [https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen/] Sunny Mary Meadow: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/ [https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/] The Bloom Room Venue: https://www.instagram.com/thebloomroomstjoe/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebloomroomstjoe/] Rooted Agritourism podcast: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/ [https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/] Farmers to Florists: https://www.instagram.com/farmerstoflorists/ [https://www.instagram.com/farmerstoflorists/] Additional Links: Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-rebuilding-a-life-you-didn-t-choose-dr-liz-fiedler-mergen/49e5d75285914041?ean=9781636989273&next=t [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Forcdn.com%2Fclick%3Fredirect%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fbookshop.org%252Fp%252Fbooks%252Fflowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-rebuilding-a-life-you-didn-t-choose-dr-liz-fiedler-mergen%252F49e5d75285914041%253Fean%253D9781636989273%2526next%253Dt%26dID%3D1778700151638%26hashId%3Dec7f59b08e3af1fa1ba031ae1d072cc5384305e787333e4fa39682a4fb14ea87cf5457%26linkName%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fbookshop.org%2Fp%2Fbooks%2Fflowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-rebuilding-a-life-you-didn-t-choose-dr-liz-fiedler-mergen%2F49e5d75285914041%3Fean%3D9781636989273%26next%3Dt&data=05%7C02%7Cemily.strong%40rfdtv.com%7C7b784d978846447907f708deb125158b%7Cc839896a315c428db7229ad7a4f46878%7C0%7C0%7C639142970048021813%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=u1zHjXVYLN12YUQteZTW%2B7XWM14hQvbqyddAKVJ8k6c%3D&reserved=0] * Connect with FarmHER + RanchHER [https://farmher.com/] * Sign up for our Newsletter [https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=RPMzeC&g=R39vws] * FarmHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | X [https://x.com/IAmFarmHer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/farmher1/?eq=farmher&etslf=3388] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmher] * RanchHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamranchher/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmRanchHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher] * Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kirbeschnoor/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kirbe.schnoor.16] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbeschnoor] Mentioned in this episode: John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] Follow us on social media Follow us on social media [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/instagram]

From the Farm to Advising Fortune 500s with Emily French, CEO of Global Ag Protein

Today we’re taking a broader look at agriculture — how what happens on farms here at home connects to markets, policies, and decisions being made around the world — with one of the most respected voices in global commodity markets and agricultural strategy My guest today is Emily French, CEO of Global Ag Protein. Emily grew up on a farm in Idaho, giving her a front-row seat to the realities of ag production — something that still shapes her perspective today, even as she advises Fortune 500 companies, producers, and policymakers around the world. In this episode, Emily shares her incredible journey from the fields to the forefront of international trade. We talk about the fear of failure and the courage it takes to lead, the importance of authenticity in business and in life, and the evolving role of women in shaping agriculture’s future. She also sheds light on how global trade policy impacts everyday farmers—and why relationships and trust still matter more than ever in this business. Emily’s insight is unmatched, but what I love most is her humility, her humor, and her belief in the power of community. Let’s get dirty with Emily. _________________________________________ Like the Dirt Diaries podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every Thursday! Please also rate and review to help us continue growing. We want to hear your feedback, favorite moments and dream guests for the show! Resources * Connect with FarmHER + RanchHER [https://farmher.com/]  * Sign up for our Newsletter [https://farmher.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=ab7d7e0d08ba5d9bc235f5001&id=9e7b7ef07f]  * FarmHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | X [https://x.com/IAmFarmHer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/farmher1/?eq=farmher&etslf=3388] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmher] * RanchHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamranchher/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmRanchHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher]  * Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kirbeschnoor/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kirbe.schnoor.16] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbeschnoor]  * Emily French: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-french-65bb7512] Mentioned in this episode: John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Follow us on social media Follow us on social media [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/instagram]

BTS of Making FarmHER + RanchHER with Producers and Videographers Jonny Clark and Zach McCann

Today’s episode is going to be a little different... and a whole lot of fun. I am welcoming two guys who I call my coworkers and good friends: Johnny Clark and Zach McCann — the producers, videographers and visionaries behind FarmHER + RanchHER. These guys are normally behind the camera, but today I am putting them in the hot seat to share all the dirty details of making the show. Together, we’ve spent thousands of miles on the road, crossed just about every state line, and lived through just about every farm and ranch mishap you can imagine—as well as broken gear, 16-hour days, cicada attacks, and more coffee and gas-station snacks than I’d like to admit. Jonny and Zach are the heartbeat our crew, capturing the beauty, grit, and realness of every FarmHer and RanchHer we meet. They’re also the ones who keep me sane and accountable when filming — whether they’re dishing out some brutal honesty, words of encouragement or a much needed laugh. They’ve got stories for days, and just as I expected, they don’t hold back at all! In this episode, we talk about the chaos, the laughs, the occasional disasters, and the deep respect we all share for each other and the women whose stories we’re telling. So buckle up, because we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like behind the scenes of FarmHER + RanchHER.  Let’s get dirty with Jonny and Zach.  _________________________________________ Like the Dirt Diaries podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every Thursday! Please also rate and review to help us continue growing. We want to hear your feedback, favorite moments and dream guests for the show!   Resources * Connect with FarmHER + RanchHER [https://farmher.com/]  * Sign up for our Newsletter [https://farmher.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=ab7d7e0d08ba5d9bc235f5001&id=9e7b7ef07f]  * FarmHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | X [https://x.com/IAmFarmHer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/farmher1/?eq=farmher&etslf=3388] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmher] * RanchHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamranchher/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmRanchHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher]  * Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kirbeschnoor/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kirbe.schnoor.16] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbeschnoor]  * Jonny Clark: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jonnnyyyyyyy/] * Zach McCann: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zachary_mccann_/]  Mentioned in this episode: Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] Follow us on social media Follow us on social media [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/instagram] John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway]

Buzzing with Brandi Buzzard: Ranching, Raising Girls and Agvocating for our Industry

Today I get to sit down with someone who I’ve known for a long time. We’ve worked together, traveled together, learned from each other, and I’ve watched her build a life and a voice that is as bold as it is genuine. Today’s guest is the one and only Brandi Buzzard — cowgirl, rancher, mom, writer, speaker, communications pro, and self-employed powerhouse who somehow manages to rope steers, raise daughters, speak on national stages, and spark meaningful conversations in the cattle industry… all while being hilariously real and refreshingly honest. In this conversation, Brandi opens up about her journey — from her early days freelancing and blogging, to her time with NCBA and Red Angus, to the moment she decided to leap into full-time self-employment. We talk about why she uses her voice so boldly, how she navigates change, her passion for correcting misinformation, the future of beef and global trade, what it means to raise kids in the western lifestyle, and how she learned to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. We also get into some fun things… like teaching her daughters to drive the feed truck, junior rodeo memories, the Chiefs’ terrible season, and why a grilled cheese in the horse trailer tastes better than almost anything. Brandi is real, raw, brave, opinionated in the best way, and deeply committed to making this industry better than she found it. And I can’t wait for you to hear this one. Let’s get dirty with Brandi. _________________________________________ Like the Dirt Diaries podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every Thursday! Please also rate and review to help us continue growing. We want to hear your feedback, favorite moments and dream guests for the show!   Resources * Connect with FarmHER + RanchHER [https://farmher.com/]  * Sign up for our Newsletter [https://farmher.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=ab7d7e0d08ba5d9bc235f5001&id=9e7b7ef07f]  * FarmHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | X [https://x.com/IAmFarmHer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/farmher1/?eq=farmher&etslf=3388] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmher] * RanchHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamranchher/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmRanchHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher]  * Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kirbeschnoor/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kirbe.schnoor.16] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbeschnoor]  * Brandi Buzzard: Website [https://buzzardsbeat.com/about-buzzard/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brandibuzzard/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BuzzardsBeat/] Mentioned in this episode: John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] Follow us on social media Follow us on social media [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/instagram] John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder]

Rooted in Wealth with Farm Finance Mom Jenny Weg

Hey y’all—welcome back to Dirt Diaries. Today I’m joined by someone who has her boots firmly planted in both the fields and the financials of legacy farming. Jenny Weg is raising her daughters on the same land her family has worked for generations in Ocheyedan, Iowa. She’s also a digital strategist by day, a farmhouse renovator by night, an ag and finance influencer online, and the creative force behind “Rooted in Wealth,” where she helps rural families build better financial futures. In this conversation, Jenny and I talk about the realities of family farming—succession planning, balancing work and motherhood, and the role of faith and resilience when times get tough. We also dive into her use of social media to educate and connect, why financial planning is so critical in ag, and how she’s championing women to step confidently into leadership roles on the farm and beyond. She’s funny, honest, and full of practical wisdom that comes straight from lived experience. Let’s get dirty with Jenny.  _________________________________________   Like the Dirt Diaries podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes every Thursday! Please also rate and review to help us continue growing. We want to hear your feedback, favorite moments and dream guests for the show!   Resources * Connect with FarmHER + RanchHER [https://farmher.com/]  * Sign up for our Newsletter [https://farmher.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=ab7d7e0d08ba5d9bc235f5001&id=9e7b7ef07f]  * FarmHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | X [https://x.com/IAmFarmHer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/farmher1/?eq=farmher&etslf=3388] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmher] * RanchHER: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamranchher/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IAmRanchHer/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmher.ranchher] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/farmher]  * Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kirbeschnoor/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kirbe.schnoor.16] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbeschnoor]  * Jenny Weg: Website [https://stan.store/Thefaithfulfarmingfamily?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGntdUtAhVeFD-45QUdf9LjUu_RS2zdbkt1kD3ybX8j2nsnU8019u0631zs_wQ_aem_FF2NvL3AIIZrtEWu6HsbQQ] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thefaithfulfarmingfamily] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/checkpoint/advanced_protection/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthefaithfulfarmingfamily] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefaithfulfarmingfamily] Mentioned in this episode: Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder] John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] John Deere See what’s happening now and make better decisions with all your data. John Deere [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/runityourway] Follow us on social media Follow us on social media [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/instagram] Find a farm agent today with Nationwide. Nationwide [https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/farmagentfinder]