Building a Farm From Scratch: How Lauryn & Colin Pinkston Are Growing Pinkston Cattle Company

Mar 12

Starting a farm from the ground up has never been easy — and in today’s agricultural environment, it can feel even more challenging.

Land prices are high. Equipment is expensive. Margins are tight. And for many aspiring farmers, there’s another major hurdle: they didn’t grow up in production agriculture.

But that reality hasn’t stopped Lauryn and Colin Pinkston.

In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with the young couple from Lexington, Kentucky, who are building Pinkston Cattle Company while balancing off-farm careers, renovating a newly purchased farm, and building a fast-growing social media presence documenting the journey.

Their story highlights something increasingly common in agriculture: the next generation of farmers isn’t always born into the operation — sometimes they build it themselves.

From Horses and Tobacco Fields to Cattle

Lauryn and Colin didn’t grow up directly involved in cattle production, but agriculture still played a role in their early lives.

Lauryn’s background connects to Kentucky’s famous horse industry. Growing up riding horses and spending time around family connected to the racehorse world, agriculture was always part of her environment — even if it wasn’t traditional production farming.

Colin’s introduction to agriculture came through friendships and hands-on experiences. While he didn’t grow up on a farm either, he spent time helping friends with tobacco farming operations. That exposure sparked an interest in agriculture that eventually turned into a serious pursuit.

Like many young producers entering the industry today, their agricultural journey didn’t follow the traditional “multi-generation farm” path.

Instead, it began with curiosity, passion, and a willingness to learn.

A Bold Move: Buying a Farm Early

Lauryn and Colin were married in October 2024, and like many newly married couples, they started planning their future together.

Part of that vision included building their first farm.

Originally, the plan was to slowly develop land and build the operation over time. But agriculture rarely follows neat timelines.

When the right opportunity appeared — a farm that fit their goals — they made a bold decision.

They bought it.

That decision required sacrifice. In order to make the purchase work financially, the couple downsized their home and shifted their priorities toward investing in the farm.

For many beginning farmers, that kind of trade-off is a reality. Farming requires capital, long timelines, and a willingness to delay comfort in order to build something sustainable.

Lauryn and Colin embraced that challenge head-on.

Renovating a Farm While Building a Business

Owning a farm is only the first step. Turning it into a productive operation takes time, planning, and a tremendous amount of work.

Today, the Pinkstons are in the middle of transforming their newly purchased property into a working cattle and hay operation.

That means:

Renovating infrastructure
Improving pastures
Developing hay production systems
Expanding cattle numbers
Managing equipment needs
Balancing off-farm income with farm growth

Like many startup farms, their progress isn’t overnight. It’s happening one improvement, one decision, and one season at a time.

But each step moves them closer to building the operation they envision.

The Reality of Building Agriculture Without Generational Land

One of the most interesting parts of Lauryn and Colin’s story is how relatable it is to many aspiring farmers today.

In previous generations, most farms transitioned from parents to children. Land, equipment, and livestock passed through families over decades.

Today, however, many young farmers are entering the industry without those inherited assets.

That means they must:

Purchase land at modern market prices
Build infrastructure from scratch
Finance equipment
Develop herd genetics
Learn management through experience rather than tradition

It’s a different path — but one that is becoming increasingly common across American agriculture.

Lauryn and Colin’s journey shows that while the road may be harder, it is still possible.

Documenting the Journey Through Social Media

Another layer to their story is how they’re sharing the experience publicly.

Through social media, Lauryn and Colin document the highs and lows of building Pinkston Cattle Company. Their audience follows along as they renovate the farm, grow their cattle operation, and navigate the realities of rural life.

For many young farmers, social media has become a powerful tool.

It allows producers to:

Share authentic agricultural stories
Educate consumers about farming
Connect with other farmers across the country
Build communities around agriculture

By opening the doors to their farm journey, the Pinkstons are helping bridge the gap between agriculture and the broader public.

Lessons for New Farmers

Their story also highlights several lessons for anyone hoping to enter agriculture.

Start with a Clear Vision

Farming without generational infrastructure requires careful planning. Knowing what type of operation you want to build helps guide decisions about land, livestock, and investments.

Be Willing to Sacrifice Early

Downsizing their home to purchase a farm shows the level of commitment required to get started. Farming often requires financial trade-offs early in the journey.

Off-Farm Income Can Be an Asset

Many new farms rely on off-farm careers during the startup phase. That additional income can help stabilize the operation while it grows.

Progress Happens Incrementally

Farms are built over years — not months. Each improvement compounds over time.

The Next Generation of Agriculture

Lauryn and Colin Pinkston represent a growing trend in agriculture: young couples choosing to build farm businesses from scratch.

Their story shows that while the barriers to entry may be higher today, passion, determination, and smart decision-making can still create opportunities in agriculture.

And by sharing their journey publicly, they’re also inspiring others who may be dreaming about starting farms of their own.

Because sometimes the future of agriculture doesn’t come from continuing a family farm.

Sometimes it comes from building one.