From Fitness to Farming: How Rachael Stewart Went from Bodybuilding to Ranching

Rachael Stewart | Stewart PasturesOn today’s episode of Talk Farm To Me, we are joined by an incredibly strong and brave, first generation farmer, who took a chance on herself, no matter the hurdles, to own and operate an off grid livestock farm in Arizona. Rachael Stewart went from a life in fitness to life on the farm, taking her passion for good nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, and putting it into action by growing and processing her own livestock. Rachael’s story is nothing short of resilient as she’s been navigating divorce and the financial and political hurdles that come with owning a farm in Arizona. She kept her faith strong through it all, where she has become an inspiration to any woman of color wanting to take a chance at farming.In this episode, you will hear about Rachael’s background, how she started her farm with little to no experience, how she sought out knowledge and support from the farming community, the many hats she wears other than farmer from board member to nonprofit organizer, as well as the cultural and financial struggles she has faced along the way and how she overcame them.Rachael has an abundance of knowledge and shares a ton of information on this episode that you may not hear elsewhere, so be sure to tune in for this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:Why Rachael transitioned from the fitness world to starting a farmHow Rachael gained the knowledge and skills to become a farmerThe process of buying and growing a livestock farmThe support Rachael received from women in the farming communityHow Rachael is navigating domestic issues while running a farm on her ownThe issues with the food industry in ArizonaRacial disparities in farmingAdvice for those starting out in farming as first-generation farmersConnect with Rachael StewartInstagram: @ranchfest2024 @stewartpasturesWebsite: www.stewartpastures.comTalk Farm to Me ResourcesRate the Show: https://www.talkfarmtome.com/reviews/new/Website: https://www.talkfarmtome.comGlossary of useful Ag terms: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/post/glossary-of-farm-termsConnect with Host, Dana DiPrimaWebsite: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxofarmgirl Blog: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/blogTalk Farm to Me CreditsProduction: Dana DiPrima and Sonia DhillonSound Design & Original Music: Russell Chapa www.chapamusic.com One Bite is Everything is the podcast formerly known as Talk Farm to Me (2019 to 2024) One Bite is Everything ResourcesWrite a ReviewWebsiteYouTubeConnect with Host, Dana DiPrimaEmailInstagram Learn more about the For Farmers MovementWebsiteBlog Other ResourcesPinterestGlossary of Useful Ag TermsOne Bite is Everything Production CreditsProduction: Dana DiPrima and Sonia DhillonSound Design & Original Music: Russell Chapa www.chapamusic.com