In Episode 21 of Dirt and Bull, Les Riley brings a no-frills, heartfelt perspective on what it means to be rooted—both in land and in values. A longtime Mississippi farmer, Les shares how farming, faith, and personal conviction are woven into everything he does. This isn’t a conversation about trends—it’s about timeless principles: stewardship, family, and standing firm when it counts.

Les talks openly about the dangers of being disconnected from the land you work or the principles you claim to live by. He draws clear lines between renting and owning—not just property, but responsibility. Whether you’re managing a farm, raising kids, or navigating leadership, Les believes real impact starts with real ownership. “If you don’t own it, you can’t lead it,” he says.

The episode also explores how cultural and political shifts affect agriculture and rural communities. Les doesn’t shy away from hard topics: centralized power, generational drift, and the risks of becoming too comfortable with comfort. Through it all, he circles back to what matters—passing something down that lasts, whether it’s a piece of land or a set of values.

This episode is a reminder that farming isn’t just an industry—it’s a way of life. And for Les Riley, that life is about more than yield or profit. It’s about purpose, permanence, and being unafraid to plant yourself where it matters most.

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