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EPISODE SUMMARY
Today I am chatting with my lovely friend, Renee Capko. Renee is a fellow woman in dairy, living in central Minnesota. Although we’re on opposite sides of the world, we share so many of the same challenges in balancing farm life and motherhood.
Renee is married to a dairy farmer and they live in central, MN where they milk 400 dairy cows, have 100 head of beef and raise all of our steers as well. Renee is involved with the farming operation and is also raising a farm loving little boy andhas another little baby on the way.
Her main focus on the farm is the cattle records, managing our employees and taking care of managing all the animals. It has been a balancing act to learn to be a mom & a farmer. Renee shares a little bit about how she has learned to live in the balance and set her days up for more "YES" and less stress & anxiety in her home!
On todays episode, Renee talks about her journey from being an elementary school teacher to fully embracing her role as a wife, mom, and farmer. We dive into the challenges of stepping into a multi-generational family farm and how she navigated that transition, especially working alongside her husband’s father and uncle.
Renee also shares how motherhood shifted her role on the farm and how she learned to ask for help without guilt. From setting up systems like her "Farmer Fridays" to becoming more organized and finding ways to be productive rather than just busy, Renee gives us a real look into what it’s like to balance it all on a family farm. Her honesty about juggling farm duties, raising children, and prioritizing self-care is something every rural woman will relate to.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
Renee’s transition from elementary teacher to full-time farmer and mom
Renee shares how she initially pursued a career in teaching, only to find herself drawn back to the farm life after meeting her husband, Jared. She talks about making the tough decision to leave her teaching career behind and the thought process that led her to embrace life on the family farm.
The challenges of stepping into a multi-generational family farm
Navigating the dynamics of joining her husband’s family farm, especially working with his father and uncle, wasn't easy. Renee explains the adjustments she made and how she found her place by taking small steps, including taking charge of calf care, eventually proving her value to the operation.
The impact of motherhood on farm life
Motherhood brought unexpected changes to Renee’s role on the farm. She speaks candidly about how having her first child, JJ, shifted her priorities and led her to reevaluate how she balanced being a mom and a farmer. After an emergency C-section, she realized the need for more help and how that changed her approach to farm work.
How Renee learned to ask for help and communicate her needs
Renee emphasizes the importance of asking for help, especially from family members like her mother-in-law, who now takes care of JJ on Fridays. She explains how crucial communication is in making sure her husband and in-laws know when and how they can support her, and how this allows her to focus on both farm work and family.
Planning life loosely to find balance and reduce stress
Renee’s method of “loose planning” helps her keep farm and family tasks manageable without feeling overwhelmed. She talks about creating a flexible schedule, setting aside specific days for farm duties like vaccinations and calf care, while also ensuring she has time for household tasks and self-care.
Letting go of perfectionism and finding contentment
One of the biggest lessons Renee shares is letting go of the pressure to do it all and wear the badge of being the hardest worker. Instead, she focuses on being productive and present, finding contentment by simplifying her life and letting go of unrealistic expectations.
Being a ‘yes wife’ and ‘yes mum’
Renee introduces the concept of being a "yes wife" and "yes mum," where she makes intentional choices to say yes to things that fill her cup, like helping her husband on the farm or spending meaningful time with her children. She explains how learning to manage her schedule has allowed her to say yes to the things that truly matter without becoming overwhelmed by endless tasks.
The importance of rural women supporting each other
Renee reflects on the power of being part of a community of rural women who understand the unique challenges of farm life and motherhood. She discusses how mastermind groups and attending events like Ascend helped her realize she didn’t have to do it all alone and how being part of that community has been transformative.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Jessica:
Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife
Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au
Connect with Renee:
Follow on Instagram
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