#126: Ranch Roots, Rhinestones & Real Life: Carrying Western Culture Through Music with Olivia Harms

“You don’t just clock out of agriculture — it’s a lifestyle.” 

This episode of Farming on Purpose features a meaningful, wide-ranging conversation with Olivia Harms — a sixth-generation rancher, country-western artist, and self-employed musician balancing life on the ranch with life on the road. 

While Olivia’s career path may look different than most guests on the podcast, her roots in agriculture run deep. From growing up on a ranch that’s been in her family since 1872 to now working alongside her husband on his family’s ranch in Northern California, Olivia’s story is one of heritage, grit, creativity, and staying grounded — even when national television and touring enter the picture. 

This conversation explores what it really means to carry Western culture forward in a modern world, and why authenticity matters more than ever. 

From a Sixth-Generation Ranch to the National Stage 

Olivia grew up on a family ranch in Canby, Oregon — land that has remained in her family for over 150 years. As a sixth-generation rancher, her upbringing was rooted in cattle, land stewardship, and family tradition. 

At the same time, music was always part of her life. Olivia made her stage debut at just two days old alongside her mother, Western Music Hall of Fame member Joni Harms. From an early age, she learned to balance two worlds — traveling and performing, then coming home to get her hands dirty on the ranch. 

That grounding became foundational. Even as her music career grew, agriculture remained her anchor — shaping the sound she creates and the stories she tells. 

Today, Olivia lives and ranches in Northern California with her husband, helping on his family’s operation while continuing to tour and perform across the country. 

Advocating for Agriculture Through Music 

As Olivia travels and performs — especially in urban spaces — she often finds herself answering questions about agriculture, ranching, rodeo, and animal welfare. 

Rather than approaching those conversations with confrontation or defensiveness, she leans into education through storytelling. In a lighthearted, approachable way, Olivia explains what many in agriculture know firsthand: animals are cared for because they are livelihoods, land is stewarded because it must last, and ranchers depend on healthy systems to feed both their families and others. 

Her role as a visible advocate for agriculture — particularly in spaces where production ag is misunderstood — has become an unexpected but meaningful part of her career. 

Behind the Scenes of National Television 

One of the most pivotal moments in Olivia’s recent career came with her appearance on The Road, a music competition series aired on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. 

Unlike traditional audition shows, Olivia didn’t apply. She received a direct call asking if she’d be interested — a moment that changed the trajectory of her career. 

What followed was a whirlwind of contracts, NDAs, background checks, psychological evaluations, and executive auditions. The experience required her to step into a national spotlight while also carrying the responsibility of representing agriculture accurately and authentically. 

Throughout the process, Olivia was intentional about staying true to who she is — a cowgirl, rancher, and traditional country artist — and was grateful that the show highlighted her full story, not just her stage presence. 

Life on the Road vs. Life at Home 

Balancing ranch life and a music career isn’t a clean split — and Olivia doesn’t pretend it is. 

When she’s home, she’s fully engaged in ranch work: processing cattle, helping neighbors, managing household responsibilities, and supporting her husband. When she’s on the road, she becomes her own booking agent, marketer, content creator, and business manager — all while performing night after night. 

Like many in agriculture, Olivia describes her life as a “five-to-nine,” not a nine-to-five. There is no true clock-out time — just constant shifting between responsibilities. 

Creativity, Burnout & Reconnecting to What Matters 

One of the most relatable parts of this conversation centers on creativity — and how hard it can be to access when you’re exhausted. 

Olivia shares how burnout can stall songwriting, inspiration, and passion. Her solution isn’t forcing productivity — it’s stepping away. 

When things pile up, she takes intentional time to disconnect from “Olivia Harms the brand” and reconnect with ranch work, family, and faith. Those moments of grounding often restore clarity, creativity, and perspective — allowing her to return to her work with renewed purpose. 

Authenticity in Songwriting 

From her earliest songs — including one written about her hometown of Canby — Olivia has believed that people can sense truth in music. 

Her songwriting reflects real experiences: life on the road, missed connections, ranch life, responsibility, and movement. Those honest stories are what listeners connect with most — not perfection, but reality. 

For Olivia, authenticity isn’t a strategy. It’s the foundation of everything she creates. 

Advice for Dreamers 

For anyone chasing a creative or unconventional career, Olivia offers honest advice: you need thick skin. 

Success requires long hours, self-discipline, and the willingness to hear “no” more often than “yes.” But the reward — building something entirely your own — makes the effort worthwhile. 

The work is hard. The victories are earned. And the fulfillment comes from knowing you built it yourself. 

Where to Find Olivia 

You can follow Olivia’s journey, music, ranch life, and tour dates at: 
oliviaharms.com 

She’s also active on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under @oliviaharmsmusic, where she shares life on the road, life on the ranch, and everything in between. 

More from Farming on Purpose 

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About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright: 

I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture. 

I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.  

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

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