Sarah Burnett celebrates Texas Earth’s 20th anniversary by sharing her father’s story and her journey growing his legacy.
In the latest edition of the Hustle, Innovation Hub's Kathryn Dankesreiter sits down with Sarah Burnett, the force behind Texas Earth, to talk about legacy, innovation, and the future of women in agriculture.
Click to view full audio transcript.Texas Earth: A Legacy Born from Passion
Sarah Burnett's story begins with her father, a passionate visionary who founded Texas Earth in 2004 with a mission to heal the soils of the earth. Located originally in Brownfield and later moved to Idalou Highway in 2016, Texas Earth has grown under Sarah's stewardship since her father's passing.
"My dad started Texas Earth with a passion to heal the soils of the earth," Sarah recounts. "It was his mission field. God came to him in a dream and said, 'I'm going to give you the tools to heal the soils of the earth.'"
Her father's commitment culminated in Texas Earth's flagship product, Bio Nectar, a liquid biological amendment designed to rejuvenate soil. His dream, fueled by his faith and determination, set the stage for the business that Sarah would one day lead.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation
Sarah candidly discusses the struggles of becoming the leader of Texas Earth, especially as a female business owner in the male-dominated agricultural industry. Taking over the company in 2014 was no small feat, but she did so with resilience and vision, driving the company's growth while honoring her father's legacy.
Through the Innovation Hub's Accelerator Program, Sarah was introduced to new mentors and opportunities, transforming her approach to product development. Reflecting on her experience in the Hub, Sarah describes how support and mentorship had a transformative effect on her and Texas Earth.
“The wildest thing probably that happened through the Innovation Hub was when one of my mentors said, 'Hey, have you ever heard of the SBIR?'" she recalls. This introduction to the Small Business Innovation Research grant opened new doors, leading to $160,000 in funding to support research and cultivating new products.
Cultivating Her Own Legacy
While honoring her father's dream remains a core element of her mission, Sarah has carved out her own path within Texas Earth. Her initiative, Bio Fluf—a product developed for row crops and the home and landscape industry—catapulted her deeper into the world of innovation and product development, with significant help from the Innovation Hub's Texas Tech Accelerator Program and National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Corps (I-Corps).
"Cultivating that legacy is important because he's the reason that we're here. But I have had to find my own way forward. I kind of call this the second iteration, Texas Earth 2," Sarah shares. "I'll never be my dad. I'll never know what he knew. That was his story. I have to go find mine."
Empowering Women in Agriculture
An admirable aspect of Sarah's journey has been her focus on empowering women in agricultural. Recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of women in agriculture, she created the Women's Think Tank, later LEAP (Leaders Exploring Agricultural Progress) Day, which focuses on connection and learning.
"Women are the absolute backbone of agriculture, and they are not at the forefront of conversation. It's a huge problem..." Sarah observes. This initiative is a testament to her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among women in the industry.
Paying it Forward: Patina Flower Farm
Further widening her impact, Sarah supported Abigail Oliver, a Davis College graduate, in her dream of starting a flower farm. Through Texas Earth's resources and mentorship, Patina Flower Farm was established as a micro-business that provides hands-on learning experiences in agriculture.
"Patina means the beautiful change," Sarah explains. "It was a passion project that I helped Abby see to fruition. It brought a lot of joy and is just a beautiful thing."
Cultivating Legacy and Innovation
Sarah Burnett's journey encapsulates a mix of honoring legacy and forging new paths. Her efforts to maintain and grow Texas Earth, coupled with her focus on innovation and community, particularly among women, make her story one of resilience and inspiration.
"I never saw myself as an entrepreneur really. But the support and mentorship I received helped me realize that I have the capability to do it," Sarah says. Her story is a heartwarming reminder that legacy and innovation can go hand in hand, ensuring that the foundational dreams of one generation can blossom into new, exciting realities for the next.
Join us in celebrating Sarah Burnett's continuing journey with Texas Earth, where legacy and innovation grow side by side, nurturing both the soil and the soul. For information about Sarah Burnett, connect with her via LinkedIn, or learn more about Texas Earth online at https://www.growtexasearth.com/ or via social media.