# 105: How to Redefine Success on the Farm and at Home with DL Lautenbach
“Just know that spring always follows winter. And sometimes that's the only thing we can hang on to.”
Farmers and ranchers have one of the toughest jobs out there. You’re not just running a business—you’re growing food, raising families, and managing legacies that stretch back generations. But let's be honest, some days it feels like the weight of the world is sitting squarely on your shoulders. I get it. And that’s why I want to share the story of DL Lautenbach, a farmer who’s found a way to embrace the small victories and redefine what success looks like in agriculture.
On a recent episode of the Farming on Purpose Podcast, DL joined me to talk about the challenges and triumphs of farming, family, and entrepreneurship. His perspective is both honest and inspiring, and I’m excited to share some of the wisdom he’s gained over the years.
Forget the Comparison Game
It’s easy to get sucked into the idea that bigger is always better. You see it everywhere—on social media, at trade shows, even in ag magazines. You’re told to invest in the latest gadgets or scale up your operation to compete. But here’s the thing: success isn’t about matching someone else’s numbers. It’s about figuring out what works for you, your family, and your goals.
DL shared how, years ago, he hit a low point. His farm was in debt, he was scrambling to make ends meet, and it felt like he was failing on all fronts. He’d been chasing this vision of what farming was “supposed” to look like, and he lost sight of what mattered. He ended up starting over with just five borrowed calf hutches, five Holstein bull calves he couldn’t even afford to pay for upfront, and a pile of debt that felt insurmountable. It was humbling, but he found joy in feeding those calves and being around his family. It reminded him why he loved farming in the first place.
Owning Your Truth
One of the hardest lessons DL has learned is how important it is to be honest with yourself. That means taking a good, hard look at where you are right now—not where you think you should be. It’s not easy to admit when things aren’t going the way you planned, but it’s necessary. Whether it’s financial struggles, strained family relationships, or even just feeling burnt out, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
DL explained how he’s felt the pressure to keep up appearances and maintain the legacy. But the truth is, there’s no shame in stepping back and saying, “This isn’t working for me.” You’re not failing—you’re recalibrating. For him, it meant letting go of what he thought success looked like and finding joy in the smaller victories.
Celebrate the Little Wins
In agriculture, progress often feels slow. You’re not going to see massive changes overnight, but that doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward. DL talked about how important it is to focus on those little victories. Did you add one more cow to your herd this year? That’s a win. Did you pay down a little bit of debt? That’s a win, too. These small steps might not feel significant in the moment, but they add up over time.
DL shared a great perspective: “Nobody’s going to pat you on the back for going from six cows to seven, but that’s a 16% increase. That’s progress.” And it’s true. If you’re improving—even just a little bit—you’re on the right track.
Finding Balance in the Chaos
One of the toughest parts of farming and ranching is balancing it all—the business, the family, and the personal. Winter is especially hard. The days are short, the bills pile up, and it feels like you’re stuck in neutral. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back and let things grow on their own.
DL emphasized how pushing too hard, too fast can backfire. You don’t need to expand your operation just because prices are high or everyone else is doing it. Sometimes the smartest move is to hold steady and focus on what you already have. That goes for your business, your family, and even your own well-being.
Lean on Your Community
Farming can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s family, friends, or a local livestock show, there are people out there who understand what you’re going through. Sometimes, just hearing someone say, “You’re doing a good job” can make all the difference.
DL encouraged listeners to take a step back and connect with their community. Go to a fair or an FFA event and watch kids show their animals. It’s a reminder that there’s still so much good in this industry. The future of agriculture isn’t as bleak as it might feel on those tough days. There’s hope, and there’s joy—you just have to look for it.
Your Story Matters
At the end of the day, your farm is your story. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Maybe you’re growing slowly. Maybe you’re pivoting to something new. Whatever it is, know that your work matters. You’re feeding your family, your community, and the world. And that’s worth celebrating.
So, keep going. Celebrate the little wins. Be honest with yourself. And don’t forget to lean on the people around you. You’re not alone in this, and your efforts are making a difference.
To connect with DL, you can find him on TikTok and YouTube.
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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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