Deb Carlson Ohlde

I love rural Kansas, writing and learning; Committed to faith, family & KSU; advancing all things rural, agriculture & and flex/remote work

[Farm4Profit Podcast @Farm4ProfitLLC]

Bill and Michelle Bakan from @MaizeValley share a story that hits close to home for a lot of operations. What started as a large-scale farm with row crops, dairy, seed production, and ag services ran headfirst into the realities of the 80s and 90s farm economy. Faced with the possibility of losing everything, they made a decision that would completely reshape their future.

Instead of chasing commodity margins, they leaned into direct to consumer agriculture. That decision led to one of the most diverse agritourism operations in Ohio. Today Maize Valley features a busy farm market, winery, craft brewery, events nearly year-round, and experiences that bring thousands of people to the farm. From U-Cut sunflowers to weekly car cruise ins and a pumpkin cannon that draws crowds every fall, the business now generates revenue streams that outperform traditional cropping on far fewer acres.

In this episode, Bill and Michelle break down what pushed them to change, how they figured out what customers actually wanted, and the systems they built to keep evolving. They also share the realities of competing in a space where others enter with money, while they built it out of necessity. This is a conversation about survival, reinvention, and what it really takes to give a farm a second chance.

Watch now at https://t.co/1tCumsMP62

#FarmingPodcast #Agrotourism #FarmBusiness #DirectToConsumer #Agriculture #FarmLife #RuralEntrepreneur #ValueAddedAg #FarmMarketing #SmallBusiness #AgInnovation #FarmFamily #MidwestFarming #agribusiness #plant2026 #plant26 #BrandtAg

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

@iamyourfarmer I couldn't, until I got a pair that had slightly bigger lenses. I think having a bit more space where the transition happens made the difference.

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

@iamyourfarmer Worked well for our three.

[The New Yorker @NewYorker]

Older technologies have aided and perhaps enfeebled writers. “But with A.I. we’re so thoroughly able to outsource our thinking that it makes us more average, too,” @chaykak writes. https://t.co/fYtLLSDCb4

[Bridgette Readel @bmreadel]

10 days. 4 farmers. 💔
Pressure is high on farmers & those around them- bankers, equipment dealers and others
Check on your friends
It’s ok to ask for help if you’re struggling.
Please be here. You are loved.

[Faye L Root @littlebayschool]

Best advice I've received for toddlers being mischievous was from my mom, who raised her own kids and also taught preschool for many years:

Don't talk across the room for them to stop doing something and not follow through. Always follow through.

As days go by, they may do something naughty over and over (grab something off the counter, come out of their room when it's bedtime, get out of their chair at dinner, etc.), but all you have to do is do it one more time than them.

I've also heard it called "GOYA parenting" (get off your ass parenting). Say it once: "Little Susie, don't touch that vase please." If Little Susie doesn't do it (which she probably won't), physically get up, go over, and stop her hands.

It's frustrating because you have to do this with so many things, so many times, but in my experience and my mom's, it's the only way to teach them you mean what you say and are 100% ready to carry it out. Then, and only then, will they start believing your commands as they get older.

I'd just advise starting as soon as you can when they're small. Because when they're 60 lbs. at 7yo and you tell them it's time to leave the playground and they won't, it's a lot harder to go over and physically carry them to the car.

[Griffin S. DeMarrais @GDeMarraisTV]

Murray St. making it to Omaha is one of the best stories in college sports. This is their stadium it holds 800 people. Their head coach Dan Skirka literally cuts the grass.

Gotta feel good for those guys.

[The Babylon Bee @TheBabylonBee]

Roman Soldier Assigned To Guard Tomb Of Some Jewish Carpenter Looking Forward To Uneventful Weekend https://t.co/V2iUssFcQu

[Coach Wurtz @CCladyeaglesBB]

Clifton-Clyde is looking for a boys basketball coach. We have a 6-8 middle school social studies position open as well. We play in the very competitive Twin Valley League. Please share ⁦@sportsinkansas⁩ ⁦@KansasPregame⁩ ⁦@BrentKSHSAA⁩ ⁦@TVLSpotlight⁩

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

We can all do better, and being respectful to your coworkers is good for business. Win Win https://t.co/dIEnyzVAYM

[Barret School @BarretBanking]

Registration is OPEN: https://t.co/kjvrNggCau

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

Happy birthday, Kansas. Just one shot of the beautiful place I call home. Connected to nature is a great way to live.

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

Have you picked a "word of the year"? I did, for the first time. I'll try to remember to report in a quarter or so if its working and what I've found to be pros and cons. What's my word - effective. It's a long story, but maybe I'll share the backstory too.

[Sidelines - Kansas State 🌾 @SSN_KState]

WILL HOWARD IS GOING TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be - not what you nag them to be. Scudder M. Parker

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

It's a rough winter day in Kansas today. Roads are in terrible condition and it's cold. For some of us it creates a default slow day. For others it creates extra chores, required travel for essential work and for emergency responders, calls for help. Stay safe Kansas.

[TVL Sports Spotlight @TVLSpotlight]

Clifton-Clyde defeats Madison 46-0

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

Go vote, that's the message for today! And encourage a friend or two to vote as well.

[Coach Wurtz @CCladyeaglesBB]

Congratulations to the Lady Eagles on finishing 3rd at the 1a D1 state Volleyball tournament! ⁦@TVLSpotlight⁩ ⁦⁦@scoresinkansas⁩ ⁦@sportsinkansas⁩ ⁦@KanzalandSports⁩

[Deb Carlson Ohlde @DebOhlde]

When you get that excited call from a community..."They funded our project"! You celebrate right along with them. #grantwriter #ruraldevelopment