# 104: From Wisconsin Roots to Tennessee Dreams: A Farmer’s Journey with Family, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship
“I get to pass on a legacy of skills, just like my parents did for me, and just like their, their family that taught them and I get to take it on to the next generation and I hope at the very least they'll teach their next generation.”
Janelle Anderson grew up in rural Wisconsin, where her family raised animals as much for necessity as for the love of the lifestyle. Life was practical—they ate what they grew, and the lessons learned in the fields and barn stuck with her. But she never imagined how deeply those roots would shape her journey as an adult.
When Janelle married into a ranching family in western North Dakota, life expanded in ways she never expected. They weren’t just ranching; they were building. Starting from scratch, Janelle and her husband took over his family’s ranch and agricultural business. It wasn’t easy—young children, long hours, and a steep learning curve made those early years both challenging and deeply rewarding. Together, they filled the ranch with cattle and learned to make it work on a tight budget. Those years taught her the importance of grit, partnership, and finding joy in the chaos.
Building Together as a Family
When you’re building a life like this, everyone’s involved—whether it’s moving cattle, making hay, or simply keeping things running. Janelle’s role wasn’t just about helping with chores; it was about supporting her husband’s vision while finding her own place in their shared dream.
For Janelle, that included learning everything she could about the ranch. She asked endless questions, observed her in-laws, and soaked up as much knowledge as she could. That willingness to learn made her a better partner and gave her the confidence to contribute in meaningful ways.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. They spent years sharing one old tractor between the ranch and their business, patching together solutions when money was tight. Eventually, they realized that some investments—like better equipment—weren’t luxuries; they were necessities that made life more manageable.
Transitioning to Tennessee
In 2022, life called for a change. Leaving a ranch that had been in the family for over 100 years wasn’t easy. Janelle and her husband felt a pull to prioritize their family’s time and well-being, so they moved to Tennessee to start fresh on raw land. The decision to leave everything behind—their income, home, and community—was one of the hardest they’ve ever made. But they knew it was the right choice.
Starting from scratch again was humbling. They lived in a camper while finishing the inside of a house that had only been framed and weatherproofed. Without a well, they relied on bathing in a nearby river for months. It’s a story they now tell with a mix of pride and disbelief. Despite the hardships, they kept their focus on building something better for their kids.
Shifting Priorities: Family and Farming
This move wasn’t just about land or climate—it was about creating a life where family came first. Back in North Dakota, Janelle’s husband often worked 100-hour weeks, juggling the ranch, cattle, and their business. The constant demands took their toll, and they missed out on precious moments with their older children. In Tennessee, they’ve been intentional about slowing down and spending more time together.
Their farm here looks different from the ranch they left behind. They’ve raised pasture-raised chickens, holiday turkeys, and family milk cows, and they’ve mentored others who are new to homesteading. When drought forced them to sell some of their beef cattle earlier than planned, they found creative ways to adapt. Whether it’s helping others start their own herds or shifting focus to new ventures, they’ve learned that resilience and flexibility are key.
Mentoring and Sharing Knowledge
Homesteading is a steep learning curve, especially for those without an agricultural background. Janelle has made it a priority to share what she’s learned through social media, helping others avoid common pitfalls. From nutrition for family milk cows to raising beef cattle, she’s passionate about providing accurate, practical advice.
It all started when Janelle saw someone lose a calf due to easily preventable mistakes. That moment pushed her to step up and offer a different perspective—one grounded in experience. Answering hundreds of questions each week might be overwhelming, but it’s worth it to see others thrive.
Passing Down a Legacy
As a mother, Janelle is deeply grateful for the skills her parents passed down to her. These are the same skills she wants her kids to have, whether they choose to farm or not. From gardening to processing animals, they’re learning how to provide for themselves. She wants them to know that no matter what happens in the world, they can raise, grow, or hunt their own food.
One of the most rewarding moments for Janelle is seeing their shelves filled with food they grew themselves. It’s not about prepping out of fear; it’s about taking pride in what they can do for their family. For Janelle, food sovereignty means having the skills and systems in place to take control of their food supply, whether that’s raising beef cattle or bartering with neighbors.
Looking Ahead
Janelle’s journey has been anything but conventional, but it’s one she wouldn’t trade. From the fields of Wisconsin to the wide-open spaces of North Dakota and now the rolling pastures of Tennessee, she and her family have built a life rooted in resilience, family, and a love for the land. Every challenge has taught them something valuable, and every success has been sweeter for the effort it required.
If there’s one lesson Janelle would share with anyone considering this lifestyle, it’s this: take the leap, but bring your family along for the ride. Teach your kids the skills they’ll need, lean on your community, and never stop learning. Farming, homesteading, or ranching—it’s all about building something bigger than yourself.
To connect with Janelle and learn more about simple living, visit her website or find her on Instagram and Facebook. Also, checkout the app Seedtime to help you on your gardening journey!
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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.
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