Farming with Purpose: Liz Fiedler Mergen’s Vision for Rural Business Growth

In a recent podcast episode, our producer Abbey Graves took over the hosting duties so I could share something a little different: my own story. We talked about how I transitioned from a career in nursing to running Sunny Mary Meadow, a flower farm in Central Minnesota that’s become so much more than I ever imagined.

If you’ve ever thought about changing careers, starting something new, or diving into agritourism, I hope my story gives you something to think about.

Growing Up With Agriculture

I’ve always had deep roots in agriculture. I grew up around it, shaped by rural values and a strong work ethic. But like many people from small towns, I left home to pursue a different path—nursing. For years, I worked in healthcare, and I loved helping people. But over time, I started to feel a pull back to something more tangible. Something that involved dirt, growth, creativity, and community.

That’s when Sunny Mary Meadow started to take shape—not just as a flower farm, but as a way to reconnect with my roots while building something new for my family and my community.

Starting and Growing Sunny Mary Meadow

Sunny Mary Meadow didn’t start with a full business plan and polished branding. It started with an idea, a lot of hard work, and a willingness to figure things out as I went. Running a flower farm means juggling everything from crop planning to weather challenges, social media to soil amendments, and sometimes, cleaning up after a big storm before a weekend event.

In the episode, I talked about what it really takes to grow a business like this—not just the logistics, but the emotional side too. There have been moments of doubt, frustration, and exhaustion. But also so much joy, especially when I get to share this place with others.

Why Agritourism Matters to Me

Agritourism has become a huge part of what we do. It’s not just about selling flowers; it’s about creating experiences. Whether it’s bouquet-building workshops, family-friendly tours, or educational events, these moments help people connect to farming in a personal, memorable way. And for farmers, agritourism can be a powerful way to diversify income and create community support.

Abbey and I talked about how I’ve woven agritourism into Sunny Mary Meadow—and what’s worked (and what hasn’t). I also shared how important community support has been in making this business sustainable.

The Realities of Farm Life

One of the questions Abbey asked was about my favorite and least favorite farm chores. Let’s just say there are some tasks that bring me peace and others I’d gladly outsource. I’m honest about the fact that farming, like any business, isn’t always romantic. There are long hours, unpredictable weather, and a lot of trial and error.

But there’s also a sense of purpose in it. I shared some of the tools and resources that have helped me along the way, including a new product I’m really excited about that I think could make a big difference for other small farmers.

Looking Back—and Ahead

Telling my story on the podcast was a little out of my comfort zone, but it reminded me why I started all of this in the first place. I believe in the power of rural entrepreneurship, in doing work that feels meaningful, and in building something that lasts. If my story resonates with even one person thinking about making a change or planting a seed of their own, then it was worth sharing.

You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for following along—and for supporting this little flower farm that’s grown into something I’m incredibly proud of.