Episode 2- Rooted in Purpose: My Journey from Corporate Life to Regenerative Ranching

Join me as I share the story behind my journey from a corporate lifestyle to a life rooted in regenerative ranching.

Discover how a promise to stay grounded led to a transformation, a commitment to healthier living, and a new purpose.

This episode sets the foundation for what’s to come, giving you insight into the values, challenges, and triumphs that shaped this podcast.

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• Reading Your Land for Profit, Resilience, and Regeneration
• Homestead, Farm, and Ranch Planning

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Let's make regenerative ranching and farming more intentional, profitable, and fulfilling. I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from this episode—DM me on Instagram or schedule a call to chat about it!

Connect with Christine Martin:
Website: https://thrivinglandsteward.com
Email: info@thrivinglandsteward.com

Transcript

Christine: 0:00

Welcome to the Regenerative Agriculture Thriving as a Modern Rancher, the podcast for ranchers and land stewards looking to build healthy land, profitable businesses, and a fulfilling life. Join us as we explore regenerative practices and holistic management to help you thrive in today's ranching world. Well, hello, hello. I'm Christine Martin, and today I want to share a bit about my journey and why I've launched this podcast. My hope is that as I share my story, you'll find glimpses of your own journey, the questions you've been asking, and maybe even some answers you've been seeking. So I didn't start out as a rancher, let alone, a land steward with years of experience under my belt. I came from a corporate world. Specifically in ag commodity trading

0:49

And then in the oil and gas industry.

Christine: 0:51

moving from country to country until the promise to my daughter kept us grounded in Texas. I bought a small patch of land, just five acres thinking it would be a simple change a place that we had some freedom and not living in suburbia with cookie cutter homes. A place to put down roots for the first time in years. Little did I know that small decision was about to transform every aspect of my life. I noticed something troubling. Convenience foods, the quick fixes, we so often turn to as busy parents were causing health issues for my family and myself. That realization sparked something in me. Maybe you've had a similar. Ah-ha moment. That sense that something fundamental needs to change. For me, it meant diving into the world of nutrient dense food starting with our own backyard. Starting out, I had no idea what I was doing. There was so many mistakes, soil issues, pests, the sheer cost of trying to do things the way I thought they should, and I'm air quoting here, be done. The journey was anything but smooth. And maybe you felt that way too. Like, you're trying to climb a mountain without a map. I threw myself into research, reading everything I could get my hands on. And slowly, I began to see small shifts, small wins. One of the most life-changing moments came when I stumbled upon holistic management.

2:21

I was scrolling on Facebook during lunchtime at the job

Christine: 2:24

and I saw this ad for a beginning farmer rancher course that was being advertised. It was going to start that weekend. I had been trying to grow my own food for at least 10 years, but I still felt I was a beginner. So I felt this should work for me. I attended the course and it was as if all the puzzle pieces suddenly started fitting together. This wasn't just about producing food. It was about working in harmony with the land, about understanding the root causes rather than just treating symptoms. And even better, I found a community. A group of people as passionate about the land as I was. We learned from each other. We shared insights and supported one another through the ups and downs. So why am I telling you all this? I want to create a space for anyone on their stewardship journey, whether you're just beginning or have been at it for decades. I want this podcast to be a source of guidance. A place for you to find encouragement and practical advice so that maybe you don't have to make all the same mistakes I did. Whether you're here for a healthier family. A thriving ecosystem. Or simply because you feel called to the land. I hope these episodes will offer something meaningful. If any of this resonates with you. If you see parts of your story in mine, then you're in the right place. Together we're here to explore regenerative practices. Learn about the natural rhythms of the land and celebrate the wins both big and small. So here's to thriving, together, as modern ranchers and stewards of the land. Thanks for listening to Regenerative Agriculture, Thriving as a Modern Rancher. If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, share with fellow ranchers, and leave a review. Together we can regenerate our lands, our profits, and our lives. Until next time, keep thriving.