EPISODE
32
Episode 32 - 2026 Marketing Planning, Part Two: Shaping the Vision
EPISODE LINKS.
SHOW NOTES.
In the 32nd episode of McFarland Minutes, hosted by Natalie McFarland, founder and president of McFarland Productions, and Scout Foster, outreach marketing manager, they delve into the company’s 2026 marketing strategy. The episode covers both internal and external marketing plans, including the implementation of ‘Live Outdoors’ as a new slogan, and a future focus on live events, merchandise, and guest appearances. They also discuss the importance of internal marketing for better recruitment and company culture, the prospects of participating in the 250th birthday of America celebration, and the benefits of health and fitness initiatives within the company. The episode emphasizes strategic planning, setting concrete goals, and maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities.
00:00 Welcome to McFarland Minutes
00:33 Introduction to McFarland Productions 2026 Marketing
01:49 External Marketing Strategies
02:55 Live Outdoors Campaign
04:11 Merchandise and Branding
06:39 In-Person Networking and Events
09:31 Podcast and Blog Strategies
17:37 Internal Marketing and Company Culture
20:13 Implementing Health and Fitness in Company Culture
20:57 Creative Health Initiatives from a Previous Employer
23:14 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Walking
27:03 Company Retreats and Strategy Meetings
30:23 Recruitment Strategies for 2026
31:52 Celebrating Milestones and Future Projects
35:21 Final Thoughts on 2026 Marketing Plans
ABOUT THIS EPISODE.
In our recent podcast episode, we chat about multifaceted approaches we’re considering to expand both externally and internally. Here’s a glimpse into our vision for the future.
Our external marketing focuses on how we present McFarland Productions to the world. Over the past year, we’ve made significant strides, particularly with our podcast initiatives, blog consistency, and email marketing efforts.
A major highlight for 2026 will be our “Live Outdoors” initiative. This new tagline represents our commitment to brands that thrive in outdoor spaces. We are well-versed in both Western and ag spheres and have substantial experience in hunting, fishing, tourism, and music festivals. 2026 will see us taking this commitment further with a focus on branded merchandise, such as water bottles, shirts, and ball caps, and leveraging this tagline in all marketing channels.
We aim to enhance our presence at prominent industry events such as Safari Club International and WESA, not necessarily with booths but as attendees to network and explore collaboration opportunities. Personal interactions during events have proven invaluable, and we plan to bolster these efforts further.
Our podcast strategy is evolving, with considerations of moving our release day and adding tangible resources and action items for our listeners. Similarly, our blogging efforts will remain robust, with a focus on effective SEO and delivering valuable content that resonates with our audience’s needs.
Internal marketing might seem less glamorous, but it’s vitally important. How we market ourselves to our team members directly affects recruitment, retention, and company culture.
Promoting health and wellness within our company is high on our list for 2026. We’re exploring potential initiatives such as walking challenges, fitness stipends, and more, based on best practices observed in previous work environments.
Another focus for internal growth is our annual in-person strategy meeting paired with a fun team-building activity. This time away from daily tasks allows us to hone in on our goals and strengthen team relationships. Enhancing this to a biannual meet-up could foster even richer collaboration.
Our approach to recruitment will shift to more proactive efforts. Establishing a network of potential candidates, whether for full-time roles or contract positions, ensures we have a pool of excellent people ready when opportunities arise.
Both internal and external strategies often overlap and inform each other. A thriving internal culture leads to better external interactions with clients and audiences. We believe that taking care of our team translates into better service, innovation, and success in our projects.
In this developmental stage for 2026, we’re refining these strategies and researching effective implementations. Each of these components supports our overarching vision of sustainable growth and impactful marketing. As we continue to evolve, we’re excited to bring these ideas to fruition and help other brands craft their narratives in the outdoor and Western spaces.
To our followers interested in seeing how we put these ideas into action or those in need of guidance for their own 2026 plans, stay tuned. If you’re seeking fresh perspectives or want to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for joining us as we share our preliminary plans for 2026. We anticipate a year full of new challenges and exciting opportunities. Let’s begin crafting the future together, one strategy at a time.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.
NATALIE MCFARLAND
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.
Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.
With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.
SCOUT FOSTER
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC STORYTELLING
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.
Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.