Why I Created FLRD—and What It Truly Means to Me

I created Florida Rancher’s Daughter (FLRD) as a way to share what it’s really like working on the ranch alongside my dad.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in agriculture - somehow, some way. For a long time, I thought that meant becoming an ag lawyer or an ag teacher. But after over a decade of searching for my place, I finally made it to where I was always meant to be: right here, as a full-time rancher.

Today, I’m blessed to work with my dad, build my small business, and focus on my family. While putting myself and my family first might sound selfish to some, I know in my heart this is where God called me to be. Every single day, we are raising quality cattle and growing food for American families.

Laying It Down at the Altar

There’s a deeper, spiritual side to this story that I’ve been feeling called to share.

Recently, while attending the ANCW (American National CattleWomen) Summer Conference, I went to an early Sunday morning Bible study. As the women in the room spoke, I sat there quietly with tears in my eyes, barely able to speak because my heart was so full.

It brought me right back to a podcast I listened to earlier this spring. A phrase from it had stuck in my mind ever since:

"When you finally walk away from the concern and give it fully to God, only then does He have the opportunity to answer."

For months before making this leap, I was struggling. I felt worn down, disconnected from my authentic self, and heartbroken over missing time with my family and missing days out on the pasture. I kept praying for a new job or a transfer within my company. But nothing changed; until I changed my approach.

I finally realized I couldn’t stay where I was. So, I took a massive leap of faith and resigned; without another job lined up and without a clear plan for what came next. After years of being conditioned to believe that having a Master’s degree meant I had to work a traditional 9-to-5 job, sitting at home that first Saturday was an overwhelming mix of fear and sheer relief.

I had finally let go... but I found myself asking, "Now what?"

A Midnight Confirmation in the Cold

God didn't keep me waiting long for an answer.

That Sunday afternoon, my dad called: "Your cow might be having twins."

It turned out to be one of the coldest nights of the year, with temperatures plunging into the high 20s. My husband and I quickly made the ten-minute drive to the ranch. Sure enough, there she was. My dad had spotted her with her first calf - a little red heifer - which she had licked clean and nursed. But she was right back down in labor, and soon enough, out came a little white heifer.

We loaded mama and her twin calves up and took them to the pens, making sure she had plenty of water and breaking open a fresh bale of hay to keep the babies warm against the freezing draft. Even though she was letting both nurse, those tiny calves were shivering in the cold.

We left them at 10:00 PM, trusting that we had done all we could. My husband and I drove back out shortly after midnight, and again at 4:00 AM, holding our breath each time. Every time we checked, mama was nursing them, keeping them safe, and both calves survived the night.

Standing out in the cold dark that night, my heart settled into a deep peace. I knew right then and there: this is where I am meant to be.

God opened the door the exact moment I finally laid my worries down and trusted Him.

The Moral of the Story

If you’re carrying a heavy burden or feeling stuck in a place you don't belong, my message to you is simple: Give it to God.

Give it to Him completely. Don't keep peeking back to check on it, don't try to take control again, and don't look back. Lay it down at His feet and trust Him to answer. I am so deeply thankful that I finally did.