Ranching with Purpose: John Sachse's Vision for a Resilient Future

By John Sachse

Nestled near Leavenworth, Kansas, the Sachse family has been stewarding their land since the 1930s when the first members arrived from Germany. Originally cultivated with corn, soybeans, clover and oats, this rich farmland has supported five generations of Sachses (so far). Today, John Sachse continues the family tradition but with a modern twist — combining livestock production with resiliency and lifestyle coaching.

John grew up on the family farm, but it wasn't always his plan to return. Until his involvement in high school FFA and deep engagement with his education at Kansas State University, he had no interest in eventually coming back to the farm.

"Before FFA, I was much more interested in playing sports, especially baseball," John recalls. "I had the opportunity to play baseball in college, but ultimately turned down a few offers so I could continue my education in K-State’s College of Agriculture. My experiences there expanded my horizons. I realized the farm offered unique possibilities."

John's perspective further broadened through his next two ventures, first as an agriculture aid on U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's staff then in a role with the Kansas Beef Council.

"Working on agricultural issues and connecting with farmers and ranchers within the political realm gave me fresh insights and renewed my interest in returning to farming and ranching," John explains.

Following his time with the Beef Council, John embarked on a new chapter by enlisting in the Kansas Army National Guard, fulfilling a longtime desire to serve his country.

It was during his officer training, witnessing the effects that stress, burden and worry can have on performance, that John discovered an even deeper calling to serve others through resiliency coaching. This realization aligned seamlessly with his desire to return to his roots at the family farm and ranch. Embracing this opportunity, John launched his coaching business, RanchFIT, which allowed him to introduce innovation while supporting others in their personal and professional growth.

John's current roles as an Army National Guard officer, rancher and coach have combined to give him a perspective that is crucial in aiding clients, including fellow farmers and ranchers, to take just one step toward mental wellbeing. In an industry that often presents both physical and mental challenges, John coaches his clients to reframe the stresses and struggles they face as opportunities for growth.

One of the steps John encourages his clients to take is incorporating physical fitness into their daily life. Each December, the Sachse family opens their ranch to the public to host a ruck event — a form of hiking with weight on your back — offering distance options of 5k, 10k, and 20k. This event provides individuals the opportunity to engage in something both physically and mentally demanding to build confidence for the new year.

Through integrating new ideas and emphasizing resiliency, John is steering the family farm and ranch into a promising future. This, coupled with his commitment to promoting positive lifestyle changes, challenging the narrative and pushing people to discover the best versions of themselves, underscores the evolving legacy of the Sachse farm — where tradition meets innovation in a supportive family environment.

John Sachse is a fourth-generation rancher, men's mindset coach and Kansas Army National Guard officer. Learn more about RanchFIT coaching here.