In this episode of Just a Farm Wife, host Tara Emerson sits down with Tanya Wieler of Dakota Dynamics to uncover how the principles of Human Resources—communication, self-reflection, and succession planning—can revolutionize the family farm. Tanya shares how an HR mindset, often reserved for the corporate world, can bring clarity and connection to multi-generational operations where personal and professional lines blur. Together, they explore the powerful, often unseen leadership role of the farm wife—the cornerstone who balances heart and strategy, emotion and efficiency. From strategic journaling to mastering communication styles, this conversation is a practical roadmap for creating harmony and growth on and off the farm. Tune in to learn how small, intentional changes can create ripple effects that transform your entire operation.

In this heartfelt episode of Just a Farm Wife, Tara sits down with Elena Longtin—a farm wife and food truck owner of Bourbon Barrel—whose journey from Oregon to North Dakota shows the courage it takes to start over. Elena shares how she went from being the “new girl” in a tight-knit rural community to running a beloved food truck and finding her place on the farm. Together, Tara and Elena talk about creating off-farm income and learning to say “no” so you can show up where it matters most. This episode is a reminder for every rural woman that the “small” things you do are often the most important—and that you are never just anything. You’ll hear how a TEDx talk helped Elena finally embrace that she’s never just a farm wife—and why setting boundaries created space for a smoother harvest and stronger marriage. Follow Elena at @elenascasa and check out her BBQ business at @bourbonbarrelbbqnd or bourbonbarrelbbqnd.com.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stephanie Johnson, Teen Director, Co-Producer, and Board Member of the Miss North Dakota Scholarship Organization. Stephanie shares the incredible opportunities and benefits that await young women who participate in this life-changing organization. From building confidence and leadership skills to earning scholarships and making lifelong connections, we explore why pageantry is more than just a crown. Plus, Stephanie offers practical advice on how to get started and who should consider joining.

Updates and God's Detours 

When we think about the family farm, we tend to think it's a place where everyone is happy playing their part and working together. Sometimes family dysfunction takes over and that is the end of the illusion of a perfect family farm.    For Tara's new book, check it out here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gGZo9od 

When we think about the family farm, we tend to think it's a place where everyone is happy playing their part and working together. Sometimes family dysfunction takes over and that is the end of the illusion of a perfect family farm. 

In this episode of Just a Farm Wife, we talk with Carie Marshall Moore where we dive into the diverse and invaluable roles that farm wives play every day. From managing the household and contributing to the farm’s operations to supporting their families and communities, farm wives are the backbone of rural life.   We discuss how to embrace and celebrate these roles while empowering each other to recognize our worth beyond the tasks we perform. Whether you’re a seasoned farm wife or new to the farm life, we’ll share practical ways to get to know your farm better, from understanding the land to connecting with the animals.   Carie's Tiktok "CoffeeRowCarie" https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeerowcarie?_t=8pRSqLoSces&_r=1    Learn more about Annie's Project here: https://anniesproject.org/

Please join host Tara Emerson as she explains the inspiration behind "Just a Farm Wife" and discusses the recent TEDxCavalier!  For the talks given at TEDxCavalier, follow the links below:  Eva Robsinson: https://youtu.be/aTZPfmox9aw?si=Tu-WGmGqgHZzWH0Q Chelsey Wald: https://youtu.be/crjnA9Gl7yU?si=SrkvT_Bp18VoZqRx Ginny Priem: https://youtu.be/sUNwwZLH6sU?si=vSO6PuPijp1ZD-bp Kari Helgoe: https://youtu.be/Oxu3rAoRjdk?si=rwI6LCfI8UlOJYWL Rebecca Undem: https://youtu.be/sJIntRJk0jo?si=tRSjaT_ZIgO_I1wY  (more links will be added as they become available)