Do you always look forward to new adventures? 

Or do you have a little bit of fear down in there that keep you from enjoying new opportunities? Maybe you have trouble stepping into a new journey. 

Mary used to be that way. And when she became more open to change and life adventures, opportunities just started falling into her lap! But I’m not going to tell her story for her. 

Here’s a little glimpse of her episode:

• How to look forward to new adventures and face fears.
• Learning to step out of your comfort zone and into the door of opportunities. 
• And embracing those new opportunities to create the life you want to live. 

She’s going to tell all. All about her goat grazing business. And creating the rural life she loves and can be proud of. I hope you enjoy her episode as I much as I enjoyed creating it. 

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT MARY

• Cowgirl & Goat Guru
• Owns Barnyard Weed Warriors (A Goat Grazing Business)
• BS Degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University
• Speaker, Storyteller, & Writer

HOW BACKYARD WEED WARRIORS CAME ABOUT

Mary learned a LOT about goats since 2012. Including about fencing. She and her border collies kept having to herd the goats back into their pasture after they kept getting out over and over again.

Neighbors were always laughing at her idea but her banker invited her to bring him a business plan. So, she did and she was awarded a loan to start her business. And the rest is history. 

SET UP OF BARNYARD WEED WARRIORS

Mary is the sole proprietor of Backyard Weed Warriors. Her landlord owns most of the goats plus the pickup. She owns the stock trailer to haul the goats to the sites. 

A business plan must have certain information:

• How long would the goats be on an acre.
• History of goats and goat grazing.
• Financial budget. 
• Estimated supplies.
• At least 2 customers. 

The weed warriors typically spend at least one day to a week in a location. Over the years, Mary has learned a lot about goats. 

SHORTLIST OF MARY’S BEST GOAT RESOURCES

• Langston University
• University of Maryland
• Raising Goats in a Commercial Operation (Book) 
• Goat Rancher Magazine
• Good Veterinarian

** Read Why You Need a Good Relationship with your Vet

HERE’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM MARY

Don’t have a set schedule. Chores should be on a schedule but make sure you can be flexible. 

Also, laughing is important. Rural life is a challenge against nature. Make sure you can get away and take a break.

** Read Why Farmers Need Vacations, Too

Take time to enjoy the little things, like beautiful sunsets. Then, the bigger things aren’t as important

NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH HER JOURNEY

Mary was at one point in her life where she was feeling defeated. 

• Divorce
• Graduated college
• On her own with two kids

She had to buck up and start living again. She realized:

• She didn’t need a man in her life.
• God was trying to lead her but she wasn’t following. It was when the fighting stopped that Mary began to embrace new opportunities. 

AS A RESULT, SOME LESSONS LEARNED

Mary learned she is quite capable of doing things herself. She needs to be humble but positive towards herself. 

Mary also learned that mindset is a huge part of change and being able to step out of your comfort zone. 

• Awesome Recommended Mindset Book is: Uninvited by Lesa TerkHurst

THEN, MARY DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT”

When Mary turned 50, she decided she was going to live life like she was 25. She’s learning to live again and she became happier. 

Starting her goat grazing business really was the aha moment because becoming her own boss was so life changing. 

NEXT, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT MARY STRUGGLES WITH?

Mary struggles with managing her time and putting priorities first. 

CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS MARY MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Mary’s excited about helping people get started in raising goats or even starting goat grazing businesses. She also has big plans for the farm. 

She has a passion for agriculture and rural living. Mary wants to make agriculture something people can embrace. 

SO, WHAT IS HOLDING MARY BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS

Time and money are two things holding Mary back. She lives comfortably and some of her goals can’t come about overnight. She’s working at her own pace to reach those goals. 

It’s really ok to tweak goals. As you change over time, your goals will also change. That’s great advice!

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED

When you shake hands:

• Have a firm grip
• Look the person right in the eye

This tells people that you aren’t sneaky and that you’re a strong and trustworthy person. 

Also, nobody loves you more than God does. Keep that in your heart and use that advice as comfort. 

FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT

Mary has three personal daily habits:

• Getting up early to watch the sun rise
• Loving on her dogs
• Saying Good Morning to God

She loves to appreciate the little things in life. 

GO-TO RECIPE

Mary’s favorite go-to is egg salad because it’s really quick or simple. Also, hard boiled eggs or peanut butter & jelly. 

** Read 70+ Ways to Use Up Extra Eggs

FAVORITE APP OR RESOURCE?

Best resource is special people or animals. Technology doesn’t love you – So true!

Physical tools to have on hand: 

• A pair of pliers
• Good sharp pocket knife

RECOMMENDED BOOK

• Lessons from  a Desperado Poet by Baxter Black 
• All Creatures Great & Small by James Harriot

IF MARY WOKE UP TOMORROW AND ACQUIRED A NEW 10 ACRES PLUS $1000

Mary would fence it off for goats and then go enjoy a steak!

** Check out my favorite steak recipe here. 

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

• Don’t be afraid to get dirty!
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions
• Work Smarter
• Women who have had children understand contractions, so you can use this to your advantage when raising livestock. 

FINALLY, CONTACT MARY

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Ash Grove Goat Ranch

Facebook: Barnyard Weed Warriors

Call her: 785-531-0331

Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

 

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

~ MUCH LOVE ~

I hope you have found value in this episode to look forward to new adventures you can. Are there new opportunities staring you in the face? Waiting for you to grab them up? How will you step out of your comfort zone to do something new and create the best life?

 

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