Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Pioneer Mindset
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E120 | The Freedoms We Take for Granted: A Memorial Day Conversation with Tyler Sharp | 26 May 2026 | 00:56:41 | |
Episode Summary Happy Memorial Day and what better way to honor it than by sitting down with someone who actually lived it. This week I brought on my good friend Tyler Sharp, Southwest Kansas native, former private security contractor, 22-year fire department veteran, and owner of Sharp Shooting Supply. In this episode, Tyler opens up about going overseas to Kandahar, Afghanistan as a precision overwatch contractor in his early twenties, the firefight that sent him home and the long road back to faith and purpose. He also talks about what he's built since, a thriving gun store, a deep commitment to his community, and a perspective on gratitude that stops you in your tracks. This one is raw, real, and a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy on a holiday weekend came at a cost most of us will never fully understand. In this week's Memorial Day episode with Tyler Sharp:
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| E119 | Don't Let the Farm Win at the Expense of Everything Else | 19 May 2026 | 00:40:25 | |
Episode Summary This is part three of our series on the real stressors of the busy season. We talked about the weight of the workload. We talked about keeping the business from falling apart. Now we're getting into the one thing most farmers won't admit is suffering until it's already broken: the work and family life balance. In this episode, I get honest about the realities of trying to be a good farmer, a good husband, and a good father all at the same time. I talk about why we work the way we do, where that comes from, and why "we'll do it later" is one of the most dangerous things we can say to the people we love most. I also share a different way to think about balance, not as a scale that needs to be perfectly even, but as a checking account. Are you making more deposits than withdrawals? Because the busy season has a way of draining that account fast, and most of us don't notice until we're already in the red. At the end of the day, we say this is all for our kids and our family. But if we're never around to build something they actually want to be a part of, what's it really all for? Key Takeaways:
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| E110 | Why I Started Pioneer Farmer | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:42:07 | |
Episode Summary This week on the podcast, I dive into sharing the story behind Pioneer Farmer.I talk about why I started the business, some of the struggles that I faced, and how I now helps farmers and ranchers take back control of their operations. I talk about how some of our experiences on our operation like expanding our cow-calf operation and the financial pressure we faced after taking on debt from that expansion to navigating difficult conversations with bankers, attorneys, and family members. Like many producers, the challenge wasn't a lack of work ethic, it was a lack of financial clarity and a business framework for running the farm. After being forced to actually look the numbers and rethink the future of our operation, we began rebuilding our operation with a stronger focus on financial awareness, strategic decision-making, and long-term sustainability. That journey ultimately led to the creation of Pioneer Farmer, a coaching and consulting program designed to help farmers and ranchers gain clarity around their finances, build a plan for the future, and make confident decisions about their operations. Tune in to this episode to learn more what Pioneer Farmer actually does, how the process works, and the five biggest obstacles that hold farmers back from running their operations like a business. More importantly, I share the deeper mission behind the business: helping farmers build profitable, sustainable operations so they can continue doing what they love while strengthening the rural communities that depend on agriculture. Resources & Links:
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| E20 | Financial Clarity in Farming: Emotional Choices or Data-Driven Decisions? | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:23:54 | |
Episode Summary This week I discuss how to make informed decisions in our farming operations.I share my most recent experience with this year's alfalfa crop and how a change in price affected our breakeven projections.This episode is not just about alfalfa but it's about focusing on the principles of strategic decision-making that can apply to any crop or livestock operation. In this episode I share our recent experience with a change in alfalfa prices and how I made a decisions based on that change:
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| E19 | Finding Alignment in Farming & Business: The CORE 4 Approach | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:21:10 | |
Episode Summary Welcome back to another episode of Pioneer Mindset! It's easy to get caught up, stressed, and lose sight of the joy in our daily tasks, especially in agriculture. Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity to haul corn, drive truck, and bail hay—tasks I genuinely enjoy.Shift my mindset to focus on the things that I enjoy each day has been a game changer for me.Today I am sharing about a concept that can help anyone struggling with finding balance and alignment in their life. In this episode I break down the concept of CORE 4 and how I can help you find alignment in your life:
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| E18 | Shifting Gears: Busy Season Mindsets | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:19:55 | |
Episode Summary In today's episode, I talk focus on mindset during the busy season, talking about the stories we tell ourselves and the comparisons we often make with others. I dive into some of the mental challenges we all face during the busy farming seasons and share some strategies I use to help keep a positive mindset and effectively manage a busy workload. In this episode we share my thoughts on busy season mindsets:
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| E17 | Balancing Work & Family in the Busy Seasons | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:19:59 | |
Episode Summary In today's episode I talk about some of the challenges when it comes to work and family balance during the busy seasons.Everyone's situation and life is different but being aware and shifting your mindset could have a huge impact on how you balance your work/life balance. In this episode I share how shifting my mindset has helped me work through the challenges of balancing work and family life:
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| E16 | Applying the Principles of Extreme Ownership to Business | 28 May 2024 | 00:22:01 | |
Episode Summary Today I dive into the principles of extreme ownership discussed in one of my favorite books, "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.In this book they share their experiences in the military and how they can be applied to life and business.I am excited to share my takeaways from this book and how I have applied them to my own life. In this episode I share the principles of extreme ownership and how they can be applied to business:
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| E15 | Farm Income: Trends, Challenges, and Strategies | 21 May 2024 | 00:21:46 | |
Episode Summary Today I take a look at farm income trends over the years, what "returning to normal" could look like and how farmers can navigate the financial ebbs and flows from the markets. I discuss how knowing our enterprise breakevens has impacted our operation and marketing decisions.I share how farmers can still make informed decisions that are beneficial to their operation even through the uncertainty of the markets. In this episode I break down some of the trends of farm income and how that can impact our operations:
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| E14 | Prioritizing Value Over Chasing the Dollar | 14 May 2024 | 00:16:25 | |
Episode Summary This week I dive into the importance of focusing on providing value to others not only in business but also in our personal life as well.By shifting our mindset to value over money, it can have a great impact on others and ourselves in return. In this episode we share the mindset shift of providing value instead of just chasing the dollar:
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| E13 | Embracing Change in Your Identity | 07 May 2024 | 00:16:07 | |
Episode Summary Welcome back to another episode of Pioneer Mindset where I dive into what your identity means. In this episode I share what our identity means:
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| E12 | Pioneer Farmer: Mindset Shifts to Drive Your Operation in the Right Direction | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:11:22 | |
Episode Summary Thank you so much to everyone who has tuned into Pioneer Mindset and supported this podcast! I hope that you find value each week that resonates with you or your operation. This week I have a special episode, introducing the new business I am bringing to you, Pioneer Farmer! Tune in to find out more about shifting your mindset to drive your operation in the right direction! To Get The Free Training, Click Here! Connect with Garrett:
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| E11 | Skillsets for Life: Coaching & Consulting | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:17:52 | |
Episode Summary In this episode, I wrap up the series of the six skill sets that will pay you for life. Together we've covered speaking, seduction, teaching, and training. Now, let's dive into coaching and consulting. In this final episode of the 6 skillsets for life series, I talk about coaching and consulting:
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| E109 | When the Thing You Love Becomes the Hardest Job | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
Episode Summary We've all heard the phrase: "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." But what if that is actually misleading? In this week's episode, I dive into the question: Should you pursue your passion? While passion can be a powerful motivator, relying on it alone can also create unrealistic expectations, especially in industries like agriculture where adversity, financial pressure, and uncertainty are part of the journey. I talk about experiences from our own operation from expanding our cow herd to eventually making the difficult decision to sell our cow herd. I talk about how passion can evolve when faced with real-world challenges. From calf loss and financial strain to burnout and difficult decisions, I reflect on how hardships can cloud the very passion that got you started in the first place. This conversation isn't about abandoning passion. It's about protecting it by creating balance and recognizing the seasons of life you're in, setting boundaries, diversifying your identity, and sometimes making money in one area while pursuing passion in another. This episode offers a different perspective: success often comes from combining skill, resilience, and purpose, not passion alone. Resources & Links:
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| E10 | Applying Teaching & Training to Your Life & Business | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:14:55 | |
Episode Summary Continuing in the series of valuable life skillsets, I talk about how the value of teaching and training.As we get further into this series, I share how each of these skillsets are very beneficial and the importance of how they all connect together, bringing value back to your business, operation or even personal life. In this episode I talk about the value of teaching and training and some of the key takeaways from some of my own experiences:
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| E9 | Mastering Win-Win Conversations: The Skillset of Seduction | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:17:37 | |
Episode Summary This week we are continuing on in the series of valuable life skillsets and moving on to seduction which is in the context of persuasion and influence in different situations. In this episode I share what the skillset of seduction in different life situations can look like:
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| E8 | The Power of Effective Speaking | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:11:28 | |
Episode Summary In today's episode, I dive into a new series on some of life's valuable skillsets and I am kicking it off with the first one, which is the value of speaking.Speaking is something I was never really taught or took the time to understand the value of.Through time and experience, I began to understand the value and impact of speaking in both my personal life and business. In this episode I talk about the valuable life skill of speaking and how it has impacted me:
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| E7 | Working ON Your Business Vs. IN Your Business | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:12:44 | |
Episode Summary In this episode I talk about the mindset shift that I had when I took more of a management role in our operation.The previous generation of the farm was always conditioned that if you worked hard day to day, it will pay off.Unfortunately, today that's not the case when it comes to operating and sustaining a business. In this episode I share my mindset shift from working ON our business to IN our business:
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| E6 | From Uncertainty to Confidence: Transforming Your Relationship with Your Banker | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:14:22 | |
Episode Summary In this episode I dive back into another big issue in the ag industry: operating in uncertainty and how that makes you feel powerless in your operation with your banker. Building on the previous episode about leveraging family legacies just to stay in business, I address the dynamics of relationships with bankers and the challenges of not having clarity on your financial position. When you enter your banker's office, how do you feel? For many, it's a mix of discomfort, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode I share my experiences with the bank and how I took back the power in our operation:
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| E5 | The Weight of Leveraging a Legacy | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:16:28 | |
Episode Summary Welcome back to Pioneer Mindset. In today's episode, we're diving back into a critical issue faced by many farmers, ranchers, and ag business owners. We'll be focusing on the challenges surrounding high leverage and its impact on not just businesses but also the legacies tied to them. In this episode I share how our own operation has been impacted by leveraging our legacy and some of the things I've learned from those experiences:
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| E4 | Changing the Negative Stories in Our Head | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:08:30 | |
Episode Summary In this week's episode, I walk through how I deal with some of the negative stories in my head.I share some of the tools that I use to change those stories to empowering feelings in order to take action to move forward. In this episode I share:
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| E3 | How I Went From Barely Surviving to Taking Ownership in Our Operation | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:13:28 | |
Episode Summary In today's episode I share about how I was in the endless cycle of barely surviving and hoping for a magical solution.Our operation was struggling financially and it was hard to see a way out, making me question why we were even doing this. In this episode I share how I took ownership within that endless cycle of barely surviving:
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| E2 | How Has Disorganization Created Chaos in Your Operation? | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:12:53 | |
Episode Summary In today's episode, I address how the disorganization within our operation created a lot of chaos.Through the lack of organization, we struggled to keep the books up to date and it was always a challenge getting financials for the bank put together.Having this state of constant chaos lead to a lot of stress and pressure, but once I took the time to create some organization, it allowed me to take back control of our operation. In this episode I dive into how disorganization created a lot of chaos in our operation:
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| E1 | My Journey to a Pioneer Mindset | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:19:20 | |
Episode Summary In the very first episode of Pioneer Mindset, I share my background in farming and agriculture.I dive into my journey through some of the struggles I've faced in agriculture and how that has lead me to more of a pioneer mindset, giving me a more forward thinking approach. In this episode I share my journey to a pioneer mindset:
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| E108 | Crop Insurance in 2026: What Changed & Why It Matters with Landon Shafer | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:41:47 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I sat down with Landon Schafer to break down the biggest crop insurance updates heading into 2026. With increased premium support, expanded Beginning Farmer benefits, ARC/PLC flexibility, and stronger ECO/SCO options, this isn't a year to auto-renew coverage. It's a year to intentionally evaluate your risk, your cost of production, and how your insurance strategy supports your revenue and marketing plan. In this week's episode about crop insurance we dive into these key factors:
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| Welcome to Pioneer Mindset! | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:01:01 | |
Welcome to Pioneer Mindset! A podcast for rural ag business owners who want to challenge their mindset and address the discomfort in their business and personal lives by finding clarity resulting in bold conviction. Your host, Garrett Ruskamp, is a 5th generation farmer, husband and father from rural Nebraska.In the last 10 years of farming, he has experienced many challenges that business owners face on a day to day basis that stem from disorganization and being financially unaware. He understands the weight of uncertainty that comes from operating in a state of mind triggered by these struggles. Join Garrett as he shares his journey of the struggles he's faced in agriculture as a farmer and family man. He will dive into honest conversations to tackle the mindsets surrounding these issues, that will ultimately help you gain control leading to a profitable and sustainable business. Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! For more conviction through clarity, follow Garrett Ruskamp on Instagram (@garrettruskamp) or Facebook (Garrett Ruskamp). | |||
| E107 | Farming for Resilience with Matt Griggs: Part 2 | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:58:14 | |
Episode Summary We are back this week with part 2 of my conversation with Matt Griggs on farming for resilience! We continue to dive deep into making decisions that strengthen your operation for the future and generations to come. Resources & Links:
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| E106 | Farming for Resilience with Matt Griggs: Part 1 | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:31:49 | |
Episode Summary Hard seasons have a way of forcing clarity. In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I sat down with fifth-generation farmer Matt Griggs to talk about some of the pivotal moments that reshaped his operation.From unexpectedly taking over the farm at 25, to surviving devastating droughts, to completely rethinking how he farms in order to reduce risk and build long-term resilience. We dive into how cover crops, reduced tillage, and a systems-based mindset helped Matt improve weed control, increase water infiltration, build organic matter, and weather drought years far better than in the past — all while lowering dependence on chemical inputs. This conversation is about evolving, staying curious, and making decisions today that strengthen your operation for tomorrow. Whether you're navigating weather challenges, financial pressure, or simply wondering how to look to the future on your farm, this episode offers honest perspective on what it really takes to build resilience. Resources & Links:
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| E105 | Why Farm Transition Starts With Knowing Your Numbers | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:31:48 | |
Episode Summary Farm transition and succession planning is one of the most important and most avoided conversations in agriculture. In this episode, I break down why transition planning feels so uncomfortable, what's truly at stake when we delay it, and why every successful transition starts with one thing: knowing your numbers. From family dynamics and emotional decision-making to debt, profitability, and bringing the next generation back to the farm, I walk through some real-world realities producers are facing when legacy planning is unclear. I share some of my own personal experiences from our operation, highlighting how our lack of financial clarity turned already difficult conversations into costly mistakes. This episode challenges producers to stop waiting for the perfect time, to start making progress, and take control of their transition process by gaining clarity around their financial position, goals, and future needs. Because at the end of the day — clear is kind, and unclear is unkind. Whether you're preparing to pass the farm on, considering coming back to the operation, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you rethink transition planning through a business lens and give you some practical steps to protect your legacy. Resources & Links:
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| E104 | Has Progress Hurt Farm Profitability? With David Kleinschmidt | 03 Feb 2026 | 01:02:36 | |
Episode Summary Modern agriculture has pushed farmers toward specialization, higher yields, and more technology but has it actually made farms more profitable, resilient, or sustainable? In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I sat down with David Kleinschmidt of Progressive Agronomy Consulting Services to discuss how agriculture arrived where it is today and why many producers feel like they're running harder just to keep up. From soil health and fertilizer ROI to technology, biologicals, and diversification, this conversation challenges the idea that more inputs automatically mean better outcomes. Instead of chasing the next "easy button," this conversation challenges producers to think about systems, knowing their numbers, and playing a different game, one that is focused on profitability and sustainability over the long haul. This podcast episode covers:
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| E103 | How to Take Control of Your Line of Credit Renewal | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:29:55 | |
E103 | How to Take Control of Your Line of Credit Renewal Episode Summary Loan renewals don't have to feel like a yearly interrogation or a moment where your entire operation hangs in the balance. In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I break down how farmers and ranchers can take back control of their line of credit renewal process by shifting from a reactive mindset to a proactive and prepared approach. Instead of walking into renewal meetings hoping the bank says yes, I talk about how you can position yourself as a confident, informed borrower who understands their numbers and their plan forward. I dive into what your banker is actually needing for your loan renewal and I share a few helpful tools to position yourself as a confident borrower. If you're tired of feeling like your banker holds all the cards, this episode hits home on how preparation, communication, and clarity can change the entire dynamic, helping you secure better terms, stronger relationships, and confidence heading into renewal season. Resources & Links:
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| E102 | Surviving vs. Progressing: The Importance of Goal Setting | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:29:43 | |
Episode Summary To start off the new year, I dive into the importance of setting goals in this episode— not just dreaming about them — and why so many driven farmers, ranchers, and business owners feel stuck despite working hard and caring deeply about their families and future. Ag producers are capable, ambitious, and full of ideas… yet constantly distracted, overwhelmed, and feeling like nothing ever gets finished. Without a clear goal-setting process, it's easy to stay in survival mode, never celebrate wins, and slowly lose a sense of purpose or progress. Based on my own personal experience, I break down a simple, practical goal-setting process that actually works — especially in the chaos of farming, family, and business. I talk about the importance of how goal-setting isn't about perfection or motivation, but about clarity, prioritization, accountability, and momentum. Resources & Links:
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| E101 | Comparison Is the Thief of Progress | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:16:25 | |
Episode Summary This week I talk about the mindset of jealousy — why it shows up so easily, how it holds us back, and what to do instead. I talk about how comparing ourselves to others can lead us to idolize their success, dismiss our own path, and lose focus on what actually serves us. I challenge you to stop trying to be someone else and instead commit to becoming the best version of yourself. The episode walks through why jealousy doesn't move us forward, how shifting toward self-awareness and intentional growth creates momentum, and why faith and perspective are critical when navigating hard seasons. I dive into a powerful reframing: that life happens for us, not to us — and that God is the author of each of our stories, not someone else's. This conversation is an invitation to stop looking over the fence, stop chasing someone else's life, and start building your own with clarity, faith, and intention — across body, being, balance, and business. Resources & Links:
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| E118 | You Wouldn't Not Check Your Crops, Why Wouldn't You Do The Same With Your Business? | 12 May 2026 | 00:31:11 | |
Episode Summary The farm will take every minute you have and every dollar you own. And right now, in the middle of the busy season, it's doing exactly that. This is part two of a three-part series on the stressors we're all carrying this time of year. Last week, I talked about the weight of the workload. This week, I want to talk about what quietly happens to your farm business when you're only focused on the fields. The bills that pile up. The marketing move you meant to make. The invoice you forgot to send. The crop plan you threw out the window because you just needed to keep moving. These things don't feel urgent when the sun is shining and your neighbor's planter is already rolling but they add up fast, and they can cost you more than you realize. In this episode, I get honest about the emotional decisions we make in the middle of the season, why the business side is always the first thing to slide, and what you can actually do about it without pulling yourself out of the tractor on a good day. Because if you wouldn't go a month without checking on the crop, you can't afford to go a month without checking on the business either. Key points from this week's episode:
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| E100 | The Season That Almost Broke Us But Built Us Instead with Ellan Ruskamp | 06 Jan 2026 | 01:00:24 | |
Episode Summary In this milestone 100th episode, I sat down with my wife, Ellan, to share the behind-the-scenes story of our farming operation, family, and the difficult seasons that shaped us both. We walk through what it was like to move from not knowing our financial reality, to being forced to confront it head-on during a season of expansion, debt, stress, and major family change — including pregnancy, young children, buyouts, and hard conversations with bankers, attorneys, and family members. Ellan vulnerably shares what it was like stepping into the books while pregnant, juggling an off-farm job, raising young kids, and carrying emotional weight she didn't always feel free to voice. We reflect on how the pressure impacted our health, marriage, mental load, and our perspective on farming, money, and leadership. We also dive into how that season ultimately led us to greater clarity, stronger communication, better decision-making, and eventually the creation of Pioneer Farmer — not from a place of ambition, but from a place of necessity, survival, and growth. This episode is an honest conversation about marriage, money, farming, legacy, and the uncomfortable growth required to move from survival to sustainability. Resources & Links:
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| E99 | Fear or Purpose: What Will Drive You in 2026? | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:26:19 | |
Episode Summary As 2025 comes to a close, I walk through reframing how to approach the challenges and opportunities ahead of us in 2026. I walk through two scenarios — one driven by fear, overwhelm, and scarcity, and the other grounded in purpose, optimism, and intentional action — this episode challenges you to examine what actually motivates you to move forward. I dive into how fear can sometimes push us into action, but more often leads to paralysis, inaction, and burnout. I talk about why lasting progress comes not from running away from what we don't want, but from clearly defining what we do want — and building a vision, a "why," and a resilient mindset that can carry us through hard seasons. The episode also dives into identity — what it means to be a farmer or rancher — and why adopting the mindset of a business owner doesn't require abandoning the identity of being a producer. Instead, it's about blending resilience with strategy so operations can survive, adapt, and grow in an increasingly challenging ag environment. This is a honest and motivating episode focused on helping producers finish the year with clarity, step into 2026 with intention, and take action even when the future feels uncertain. Resources & Links:
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| E98 | Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Our Mistakes from 2025 | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:30:15 | |
Episode Summary As the year winds down and the holidays approach, I take a look back at 2025 — not to highlight wins, but to analyze the mistakes and learning opportunities that happened throughout the year. From communication breakdowns and rushed decisions to equipment issues, agronomic timing, and family-life lessons, this episode is an honest reflection on what went wrong, what it cost, and what can be learned. This episode isn't about beating yourself up over mistakes. It's about documenting lessons, slowing down, improving communication, and intentionally learning so you — and the next generation — don't repeat the same errors year after year. Mistakes are inevitable. Repeating them is optional. The real cost isn't making the mistake — it's failing to learn from it. In this week's episode on learning from your mistakes:
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| E97 | Bridging the Gap Between Survival and Profit | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:26:04 | |
Episode Summary In this week's Pioneer Mindset episode, I break down what I call the "profit gap" in farming — the space between being stuck in the trenches and reaching profitability I talk about why so many service providers in agriculture are built to help producers once they're already profitable, while far fewer are designed to help farmers and ranchers who are still grinding to get there. From accountants and bankers to agronomists and marketing advisors, I dive into who helps at each stage — and why bridging that gap requires a mindset shift and a return to the basics of business. This episode challenges producers to stop overcomplicating profitability and instead focus on the fundamentals: spending less than you make, understanding your numbers, and asking the hard question — what's the alternative if nothing changes? In this week's episode on profitability and business fundamentals:
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| E96 | A Lender's Perspective for Farmers with Banker Bryce Havlovic | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:48:45 | |
Episode Summary In this episode, Garrett sits down with agricultural lender Bryce from CharterWest Bank to give producers a clearer understanding of what lenders actually look for — and how you can set yourself up for a smoother, more successful loan renewal process. They break down the realities of farm financing, why equipment and land decisions can't be based on "justifying" the numbers, and how being organized with your financials can save you real money through better rates and stronger lending relationships. Bryce shares his lender insights, including the biggest mistakes producers make, what separates strong borrowers from struggling ones, and why communication and character matter more than most think. From the 5 C's of credit to building a balance sheet that actually reflects your operation, this episode provides insights into the lending process and gives you practical steps to strengthen your financial position heading into the new year. This week's discussion on banking with Bryce we dive into these important topics:
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| E95 | Your End-of-Year Farm Business Checklist | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:29:20 | |
Episode Summary As we enter the final month of 2025, I break down the essential business tasks every farmer and rancher should focus on to finish the year strong and set up 2026 with clarity—not chaos. I walks through the some core areas that make the biggest impact on your financial organization, stress levels, and decision-making as we close out the year. Whether you're ahead, behind, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you get grounded, stay proactive, and avoid the December overwhelm that so many operations fall into. In this week's episode I share some core areas to focus on to finish the year strong and set your operation up for success in 2026:
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| E94 | Creative Ways to Add Revenue to Your Operation in 2026 | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:32:11 | |
Episode Summary What It Really Means to "Provide Value" to Your Operation We all grow up wanting nothing more than to farm, but many of us work off farm jobs, build side businesses, or take big risks just to earn our way to keeping the farm alive. In this week's episode, I challenge the mindset of "just keep doing what we've always done" — and encourage you to think differently, experiment, and not fear failure. The Truth About Sharing Your Competitive Advantages Farmers are naturally protective of what works. I dive into the challenge of opening up to others about what we're doing on the farm — and why leading with integrity means being willing to share ideas that can help others thrive. Agronomy, Marketing, and On-Farm Skill Stacking I talk about how nutrient management, soil sampling, exploring alternative seed options, and strong grain marketing partnerships add both resilience and profitability. Off-Farm Ideas That Bring Value Back Home From renting out skills to becoming a consultant, advisor, crop insurance adjuster, retail dealer, farm manager, or real estate agent — I share some creative ways to use what you already know to strengthen your operation. Resources & Links:
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| E93 | The Money Mindset Every Farmer Needs | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:25:10 | |
Episode Summary In this week's solo episode of Pioneer Mindset, I dive deep into how you think about money — because your mindset around money impacts far more than just your bank account. I recently listened to one of Mel Robbins' podcast interviews with Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money.From that episode, I share my own thoughts and break down the core principles from the book and connect them directly to farm and ranch life. Farm and ranch life is FULL of financial pressure — high input costs, volatile markets, land prices, debt, and constant comparison to what others have. This episode helps you slow down, rethink your expectations, and get honest about what's actually driving your financial stress. This isn't about limiting your ambition. In this week's episode on money mindset:
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| E92 | Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? The Custom Work Dilemma | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:30:10 | |
Episode Summary As harvest wraps up, I take a practical look at one of the most common questions farmers face each fall: is custom work worth it? Whether you're combining for neighbors, drilling cover crops, or taking on extra acres to help justify equipment costs, there are real pros, cons, and mindset shifts to consider. In this episode, I break down how to evaluate custom work in your own operation—beyond the surface of "extra income." In this week's episode on custom work:
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| E91 | The Weight of Always Trying: Letting Go of Striving and Trusting God's Plan | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:22:24 | |
Episode Summary In this solo episode, Garrett opens up about the reality of "trying so hard" — in harvest, in family life, in business, and in faith. From long days in the combine to the quiet moments of reflection that come after, this conversation is an honest look at the weight many farmers carry: trying to be the best husband, father, Christian, and business owner — all at once. In this week's episode I share about the reality of "trying so hard":
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| E117 | What's Actually Important on the Farm Right Now? | 04 May 2026 | 00:27:45 | |
Episode Summary In this episode, I talk about something most of us just push through without ever stopping to address: the weight of the workload and what it actually costs us when we let it run unchecked. The endless to-do list, the weather decisions, the breakdowns, the mental load of trying to do everything right. It adds up fast. And if we're not careful, it quietly robs us of the very thing that made us fall in love with this life in the first place. This is part one of a three-part series on the stressors we're all carrying right now. I get into the difference between what's truly important and what just feels urgent, why we tend to chase productivity over progress, and how staying present with what actually matters, in the business and at home, can help us carry that weight a little better. Because at the end of the day, we've only got so many seasons. Let's make sure we're actually showing up for them. Key Takeaways:
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| E90 | Informed. Aligned. Actionable. The Framework for Smart Farm Decisions | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:24:34 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I break down one of the most overlooked skills in agriculture — decision-making. Every day, farmers and ranchers make thousands of choices, but not all of them are quality decisions. I dive into what it means to make high-quality decisions, why the process matters more than the outcome, and how improving your decision-making directly impacts profitability, confidence, and legacy. I share a simple but impactful framework for better decisions — Informed, Aligned, and Actionable.I walk through some real-world examples from our own operation, from cover crop mixes to grain marketing choices. Whether you're deciding when to sell grain, which field to harvest first, or how to plan for the future, this episode will help you build a repeatable process that creates clarity and conviction in every choice you make. Resources & Links:
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| E89 | More Than Yields — What We Forget in the Middle of Harvest | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:29:28 | |
Episode Summary Harvest season brings long days, high pressure, and plenty of comparison — whether it's yields, equipment, or how much progress the neighbors have made. I share an honest look at how harvest is going at Ruskamp Farms and the mindset shifts that can make all the difference. I dive into the realities of yields, basis changes, long hours, and the constant temptation to push harder — but I also emphasize the importance of pausing, taking a breath, and remembering what it's all for. This episode is about finding balance, gratitude, and perspective in the middle of the busiest season of the year. Resources & Links:
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| E88 | From Soil Data to Real Decisions: Getting ROI From Every Acre with Trent Mastny | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:58:51 | |
Episode Summary Garrett sits down with Trent Mastny, a Nebraska-based farmer, agronomist and sales rep with JTM Ag, to explore how the next generation of soil sampling tools can help farmers make smarter fertility and planting decisions. They break down what makes zone sampling more accurate than traditional grids, how the Haney test measures real nutrient availability, and why tools like Ferticast are helping bridge the gap between data and action. Key thoughts from Garrett and Trent's discussion on soil sampling:
It's a deep dive into soil, data, and decision-making — all centered around farming intentionally and using information to lead with confidence. Resources & Links:
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| E87 | The Confident Farmer: Why Faith and Action Go Hand in Hand | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:30:58 | |
Episode Summary In this week's episode, I talk about one of the most universal struggles for farmers and ranchers — confidence. Whether you see yourself as naturally confident or someone who wrestles with self-doubt, this conversation dives deep into why confidence matters, how faith ties directly into it, and what practical steps you can take to strengthen both. This episode challenges you to flip the script: instead of waiting for motivation to build confidence, start with action. Every small step forward builds momentum, creates results, and strengthens belief in yourself. I also tie in the importance of faith — with the reminder that "life happens for you, not to you" — and that confidence and faith go hand in hand when weathering the hard times. Listen now and start building the faith and confidence to move boldly toward what you want — one decisive action at a time. Resources & Links:
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| E86 | No More Excuses: Becoming the Leader Your Operation Needs | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:26:36 | |
Episode Summary In this week's episode of Pioneer Mindset, I talk about what it takes to move beyond "getting by" and stepping into true ownership—both in life and in business. Are you just keeping up, or are you stepping up as a businessman? This episode dives into the idea that to have what others don't, you must do what others won't. I apply this mindset across the CORE 4—body, being, balance, and business—with stories ranging from running a 5K to showing up as a dad, to getting proactive with farm finances. In this week's episode of taking ownership of your business:
If you've ever felt stuck pushing off the things you know matter, this episode is your reminder to step up, do the uncomfortable work, and take ownership of your operation and your life. Resources & Links:
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