Over the past five years, marketing data has made one thing very clear. Brands that think like filmmakers are quietly outpacing brands that think like advertisers. The reason is simple. Customers respond to stories that engage them, invite them in, and create an emotional connection. Long-form, story-driven video, including branded films and documentaries, is now […]
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Natalie McFarland’s interview with Gabrielle Homer explored her leadership journey across the cattle and beef industry (Painted Hills), banking, and board service. Homer discussed growing Painted Hills by keeping jobs local and building a loyal, resilient team through communication, cross-training, and hiring for adaptability. She reflected on management lessons, including the need for clearer job
Season 2, Episode 10: Celebrating Success with Gabrielle Homer Read More »
Launched in 2025, McFarland Minutes is a podcast covering topics across business and marketing. Incredible industry creatives and thought-leaders grace the podcast’s guest list making each episode special. While hard to choose a few to highlight, here are some key moments in the inaugural year of the McFarland Minutes podcast. Top Episodes of 2025 Gabrielle’s
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In McFarland Minutes Season 2, Episode 8, host Natalie McFarland and guest Ryan discuss the ideation phase in the creative process. They delve into where inspiration comes from—both internal and external sources—and the importance of aligning ideas with the client’s personality and brand. They examine how ideation can be flexible yet must adhere to the
Season 2, Episode 8: 12 Part Series – The Creative Process – Ideation Read More »
Where Strategy, Story, and Craft Become Competitive Advantage At McFarland Productions, we believe exceptional storytelling is never an accident. It comes from a disciplined creative practice that blends strategy, empathy, and cinematic craft into one intentional system. We call this system The McFarland Method. In an industry that rewards quick content and surface-level messaging, our
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The National FFA Organization has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture since its founding in 1928. Originally established as the Future Farmers of America, FFA has evolved into a premier youth leadership organization, helping students develop skills in leadership, personal growth, and career success. For agriculture communicators, FFA history is more
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In this episode of McFarland Minutes, host Natalie McFarland interviews Jessie Jarvis, founder and CEO of Of The West. They discuss the essential elements for successful remote job postings and recruitment. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the specifics of what makes an excellent job description, the importance of screening questions, and the
As the year winds down, it’s natural for teams to slow down, take stock, and spend time with family. While this rest and reflection are vital, it can sometimes overshadow the momentum needed to hit the ground running in the new year. That’s why many leadership teams use the window between Christmas and New Year’s
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In this episode of McFarland Minutes, host Natalie McFarland interviews Amanda Hoey, CEO of the Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Amanda shares the history and mission of OWGL, its collaborative efforts with organizations like Oregon State University, and various celebratory events planned for the centennial year. These include the
Season 2, Episode 6: Oregon Wheat 100 with Amanda Hoey Read More »
Super Bowl commercials are celebrated for big budgets, flashy visuals, and humor that grabs attention. But when it comes to authentic storytelling, they can take notes from agriculture, western, and outdoor lifestyle industries. These industries excel at connecting audiences with real-life experiences, values, and communities, which are exactly the qualities that make marketing campaigns memorable.
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