Explore every episode of the podcast Pioneer Mindset
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E137 | When Expansion Makes Things Worse: Our Farm's Story | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:30:21 | |
Episode Summary Is bigger better? Or does bigger just mean more risk? That question showed up on X a while back wrapped in a phrase that got a lot of pushback: the only way out of debt is to grow your way out of it. I've got thoughts on that. Strong ones. Because we lived it. In this episode I get honest about our own expansion story. Building the hoop building in 2016, doubling the cow herd, then adding a third group of cattle when we were already under financial pressure. We thought we could spread those fixed costs across more units and somehow come out ahead. We couldn't. And it actually sped up some of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make. I'm not anti-growth. I want to be clear about that. But I am very much for being intentional about how you grow, when you grow and why. Because that farmer mindset of just add more, divide the costs over more units and everything pencils out. That's not a business plan. That's a feeling. This episode is about knowing the difference between direct and indirect costs, understanding where your operation actually stands before you take on something new and asking the hard questions before you sign anything. Resources & Links:
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| E136 | The Power of Putting Yourself in the Right Rooms | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:17:20 | |
Episode Summary Would your future self recommend the circles you're currently in or think you could do better? This episode came straight from a weekend in Kansas City at the Singular Agronomics dealer conference. Being in a room full of the right people who are genuinely curious, open-minded and willing to try new things was a good reminder of just how much the circles you're in shape who you become. Not just the five closest people to you, but the outer circles too. The rooms you put yourself in. The conversations you choose to have. I talk about the difference between being present in a room and actually showing up for the people in it. I share a quality I deeply admire in someone I got to spend time with, the ability to make you feel like the conversation you're having is the most important one in the room. And I challenge myself and you to be that person more often. This one is a little shorter, but there's a lot of take home value, especially if you tend to stick to yourself at events or if you've ever walked out of a networking opportunity wondering if it was worth your time. Resources & Links:
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| E135 | Sell Buy Marketing and Taking Back Control: Part 2 with Doug Ferguson | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:42:37 | |
Episode Summary I'm back with Doug Ferguson, Mr. Cattlemaster, for part two of this conversation. If you haven't heard part one yet, go back and listen. Doug shares his background, how sell-buy marketing works and more. This week we get into what actually keeps people from implementing sell-buy marketing after the school. We talk about the difference between being interested and being committed, and what it really takes to push through when motivation fades. Doug opens up about his sobriety journey and how quitting drinking created a quantum leap in his business, his relationships and his ability to focus. We swap some stories about the pens from hell that you never forget and why those hard years are actually the ones that made the most impression. Doug also shares some practical advice for anyone sitting on the fence about attending a sell-buy school: start tracking your costs right now, before anything else. Resources & Links:
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| E134 | Sell Buy Marketing and Taking Back Control: Part 1 with Doug Ferguson | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:34:03 | |
Episode Summary This week I'm Doug Ferguson, Mr. Cattlemaster, to the podcast! He is one of the most unique thinkers in the cattle industry and this conversation did not disappoint. Doug teaches sell-buy marketing, a strategy that flips the traditional buy-sell approach. Instead of buying cattle and hoping the market cooperates on the back end, you capture your profit on the buy and that one shift changes everything about how you operate, how you make decisions and how you handle the emotional rollercoaster of the cattle market. In part one of this two-part episode, we talk about how Doug got started, including the $7,000 he spent on 18 calves nobody wanted and how sell-buy marketing has allowed him to build a seven-figure cattle business over time. We also get into the double-binding messages the cattle industry sends itself, why knowing your numbers is the foundation of everything and what it actually looks like to stay disciplined in the sale barn when the auctioneer is doing their job and your hands are shaking. Part two drops next week. Don't miss it. In this week's episode with Doug Ferguson:
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| E133 | Audio Field Day, Part 2: Small Grains, Non-GMO Corn and Nitrogen Trials | 25 août 2026 | 00:32:39 | |
Episode Summary This is part two of my audio field day series. Last week we walked through the strip crop trial. This week I'm taking you through the rest of what we've been doing on our farm this year: small grains, non-GMO corn, twin row cover crops, cover crop management in front of corn and beans and our reduced nitrogen trial. As I said last episode, I'm not a researcher. I'm a farmer trying things, watching what happens and sharing what I see. Some of it's working great. Some of it's a work in progress. And a few things flat out surprised me when I went back and looked at the numbers. But that's the whole point, learning as we go and hoping the conversation goes both directions. If you're considering any of these practices on your own operation or you've got thoughts on what we could be doing differently, I genuinely want to hear from you. Resources & Links:
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| E132 | Audio Field Day, Part 1: The Strip Crop Trial | 18 août 2026 | 00:33:28 | |
Episode Summary When's the last time you went to somebody else's farm and just tried to learn something? Field days are one of the most underrated things in agriculture and this episode is my version of one. Nothing fancy or formal, just me walking you through what we're actually doing on our farm this year and what we've learned along the way. Before we get into it, I share a thought that's been on my mind heading into field day season: we tend to over-expect what we're going to get out of events like these. We walk in expecting to be blown away and walk out disappointed. The reality is if you pick up just one thing, one idea that makes you curious enough to learn more, that's a high ROT on your time. That's the bar. This episode is part one of an ongoing audio field day series. Today I'm walking through our strip crop trial: eight rows of corn, eight rows of beans, 20-foot strips, lots of trial and error and a few things I'd do differently next time. I talk through how we set up the planter, how we handled weed control and fertility across two different crops in the same field, and what harvest is going to look like this fall. Thanks for tagging along for this one and be sure to listen in on part 2 in the next episode! Resources & Links:
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| E131 | 8 Business Lessons From a Fishing Trip | 11 août 2026 | 00:30:02 | |
Episode Summary We took our family for a little staycation last weekend and somewhere between baiting hooks, untangling fishing lines and watching the boys get excited every time they got a bite, I started thinking about some things a little differently. Turns out fishing is basically a masterclass in business and life. And in this episode, I share eight lessons that hit me while I was out there on the water with the kids. Things that are simple on the surface but run a lot deeper when you start thinking about where you are right now, what you're chasing and whether you're even watching your own bobber. There's a lot in this one worth sitting with, especially if you've been out there casting lines day after day without catching much lately. Key takeaways from this week's episode:
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| E130 | Here's How to Take Back Control of Your Day | 04 août 2026 | 00:20:27 | |
Episode Summary If you're struggling with feeling like things are constantly out of your control, it might be because your day is filled with things that are literally out of your control. For most of us, our days are stacked top to bottom with chaos, fires to put out and things that are just out of our hands. And when that's all your day is made of, it's no wonder we end up burned out, run down and losing the enjoyment of the life we've worked so hard to build. I share a story from a season when my dad was laid up post-harvest and everything fell on my shoulders and what that kind of running and gunning eventually costs you. I also share what I've found actually works to take back some control, even in the busiest seasons. It just requires five minutes you give to yourself instead of five minutes the day takes from you. In this week's episode on control:
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| E129 | Revenue Feeds the Ego. Profits Feed the Family. | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:38:40 | |
Episode Summary Unless you change the mind, you won't change the results. The the phrase that sets the tone for this episode came straight from a cattle marketing school I attended with Doug Ferguson, Mr. Cattlemaster. I went to learn sell-buy marketing. What I didn't expect was to spend the first half of a two-day class talking about paradigms, commitment, fear of success and why most of us wish positive but expect negative. I share my honest takeaways from the school: the mindset principles underneath the marketing tactics that apply whether you're running cows, raising row crops or just trying to build a better business. I talk about how our current paradigms shape everything we do, how I came to terms with my own paradigm around the cow-calf sector and why revenue feeds the ego while profit feeds the family. This one is part mindset, part business fundamentals and entirely worth your time in the tractor. Key mindset takeaways from the marketing school I attended:
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| E128 | Don't Put Off These Important Things | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:39:52 | |
Episode Summary We're over halfway through the year, halfway through the growing season and right about at that point where things feel just a little less chaotic than they did a month ago. And that moment, the pocket between the busy seasons, is exactly what this episode is about. As business owners, farmers and parents, we spend a lot of time just trying to figure out where our time is best spent. This episode gives you a framework for that. Three buckets: the day-to-day tasks that keep everything alive, the catching up on things that fell through the cracks, and the proactive work that actually gets you ahead. Most of us live in bucket one. Some of us occasionally make it to bucket two. Very few of us spend enough time in bucket three and that's where the real difference is made. Key takeaways from this week's episode:
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| E127 | Optimistic vs. Oblivious — There's a Big Difference | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:30:41 | |
Episode Summary Last week I talked about scarcity. What it is, what it steals from you and why it hits hardest when you're already vulnerable. This week, we flip it. This episode is about what becomes possible when you shift from a never enough mindset to one that actually believes there is enough. Not by ignoring reality. Not by pretending the challenges aren't real. But by choosing to see them differently. I talk about the difference between being optimistic and being oblivious because those aren't the same thing. The input costs are real. The weather is real. The bills are real. We're not pretending otherwise. But we can choose to see every problem as an opportunity to win instead of just another thing beating us down. I also get into some practical ways to actually live in that abundance mindset, including a phrase I come back to almost every day that has brought me more peace than just about anything else. Because at the end of the day, the mindset is one of the few things we can actually control. And if we don't like the results we're getting, that's where we start. Resources & Links:
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| E126 | Truck Tires, Target Boxes and the Scarcity Trap | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:35:43 | |
Episode Summary The truck needs tires again. You just got done taking the sprayer to the shop. The wife wants to go on vacation. Five Target boxes showed up. And somehow it all hits at once. Those little things have a way of compounding fast. And when they do, it's easy to get sucked into a spiral that's a lot harder to climb out of than it was to fall into. In this episode, I get into the scarcity mindset, what it actually is, what it steals from you, and why it tends to hit the hardest right when you're already the most vulnerable. I also talk about the patterns we don't recognize until we're already at the bottom of the wave, why we never give ourselves enough credit for the seasons we've already made it through, and what it actually takes to break the cycle and get back to abundance. In this week's episode on scarcity:
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| E125 | The #1 Question in Your Marketing Plan | 30 juin 2026 | 00:19:57 | |
Episode Summary You pull up the marketing app and there it is again, corn down another six cents. Fifty cents off the highs in just a couple of weeks. That sinking feeling sets in and all the coulda shoulda woulda stories start running through your head. This episode came straight from a text I got from a client: "Corn really took a hit. It makes it a really big challenge to create new crop sales." I felt that one. So instead of trying to give him an answer I don't have, I started asking questions. The same ones I had to ask myself. Have you sold any? Why or why not? And the big one we always come back to with our marketing advisor: what scares you more, locking it in and missing the top or not selling and staying exposed to the bottom? This episode isn't about predicting where corn is headed. It's about understanding how you make decisions in the first place so you can make better ones when the next opportunity comes around. Because there's no universal right answer here, just the one that fits your risk tolerance, your operation and the decision that's actually going to let you sleep at night. In this week's episode on making marketing decisions:
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| E124 | Should You Tell Your Banker You're Shopping Around? | 23 juin 2026 | 00:25:59 | |
Episode Summary Are you treating your cost of money like every other input on your farm? Because that's the question I had to ask myself recently. We're in the middle of a land deal and I had to decide whether or not to tell our banker we were shopping around with FSA and Farm Credit for a better rate. Sounds simple but it wasn't. All the usual stories ran through my head, what if he takes it personally, what if it damages the relationship, what if there's repercussions down the road? In this episode, I walk through it.The resistance I felt, the conversation I actually had with my banker, and what happened when I just told him the truth. I also get into why most farmers never shop around for interest, even though we'll spend hours chasing a better deal on seed or fertilizer. The short answer: it's uncomfortable, and we feel powerless to the bank. But here's the reframe: interest is deductible, just like every other input. And your banker is a salesman. The bank sells loans. If you don't treat your cost of money the way you treat every other expense on your operation, you're leaving real dollars on the table. In this week's episode on interest rates:
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| E123 | The Hard Truth About Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Operation | 16 juin 2026 | 00:34:46 | |
Episode Summary Coming from the son of the father who tried to get his son back to the operation, it's a tough thing to wrap your head around that if it wasn't for me, the farm would not have had to endure such hardships. But also, if it wasn't for me, the farm would not have survived. In this episode, I take you back through the full story of our operation.Where we were before I came back to the farm, the expansion that changed everything, the debt that piled up, and the rooms I sat in that I never want to sit in again. The attorney. The banker. The farm crisis hotline. My wife. My parents. All of us trying to figure out if the Ruskamp legacy was going to make it to the fifth generation. I'm not sharing this to point fingers or earn sympathy. I'm sharing it because somebody listening to this right now is in the same room I was in. And they need to hear that no one is coming to save them and that's actually okay. Because life happens for you, not to you. Key points from this week's episode:
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| E122 | How Much Equipment Do You Actually Need? | 09 juin 2026 | 00:36:40 | |
Episode Summary Here's a question most farmers never stop to ask: how much equipment do you actually need? If you can reduce your overhead, you're giving yourself a raise. So why do we keep signing up for the opposite? This episode is a direct challenge to one of the most deeply ingrained habits in agriculture, the automatic reinvestment of profits back into equipment. I dive into why we do it, how we justify it and what it's actually costing us. Not just in payments, but in the capital we could be putting to work somewhere else. I share some honest thoughts from our own operation, including a tractor we bought with cash that may not have been the best use of capital, a ranch out west that looked rough on the surface but was one of the best-run operations around and the phrase that's been on repeat in my head: those that win are able to figure out what they can do without. This isn't anti-equipment. It's pro-business. And there's a difference. In this week's episode:
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| E121 | Should Farmers Share Equipment? My Honest Hot Take | 02 juin 2026 | 00:36:54 | |
Episode Summary I was in the sprayer the other day and a thought hit me: should farmers actually be sharing equipment? So I took the question to social media and the responses came flying in. Some people swore by it. Some said it had blown up in their faces. Others said it depends entirely on who you're doing it with. In this episode, I dive into that question head on and talk about the real economics behind equipment ownership and why the math doesn't always work the way we want it to. We get into the different ways sharing can actually look on a farm, the struggles that almost always come up and what it actually takes to make it work long term. I also share our own experience co-owning a sprayer: the good, the hard, and what changed when the dynamic shifted. Because here's the honest truth: sharing equipment works until it doesn't. And knowing the difference ahead of time is everything. This one is practical and worth a listen if you've ever thought about whether there's a smarter way to manage your equipment costs without giving up control of your operation. Resources & Links:
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| E120 | The Freedoms We Take for Granted: A Memorial Day Conversation with Tyler Sharp | 26 mai 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 mai 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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| E118 | You Wouldn't Not Check Your Crops, Why Wouldn't You Do The Same With Your Business? | 12 mai 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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| E117 | What's Actually Important on the Farm Right Now? | 04 mai 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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| E116 | The Most Overlooked Metric on Your Farm | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:36:46 | |
Episode Summary Last week I traded one hour of my time for $7,900. Not from some big investment or a lucky break but just by showing up to my annual farm insurance renewal meeting and being willing to ask a few questions. In this episode, I talk about return on time (ROT) and why it might be the most overlooked metric in your operation. We grind through long days, early mornings, and late nights, but most of us have never stopped to ask: what is my time actually worth? And more importantly, am I spending it on the things that matter most? I share a few examples from our own operation, including signing up for an NRCS program and the decision we made to sell our cow herd, and how return on time played into both of those. I also get honest about the fact that I'm still very much in the middle of figuring this out myself. This episode isn't about optimizing every minute. It's about being more intentional with the hours you have and remembering that not every return shows up in your bank account. Key takeaways:
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| E115 | The Fertilizer Audit: Stretching Your Biggest Input Dollar | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:34:54 | |
Episode Summary Fertilizer can represent 10 to 20% of total input costs and yet many operations are still running the same rates, with the same suppliers, year after year without questioning whether that money is actually working as hard as it could be. In this week's episode, I dive into some figures within our own operation and how smarter agronomy, supplier shopping, and efficiency-focused thinking can add up to real, meaningful savings.This episode challenges you to find just 5 to 10% improvement in your own operation. In this week's episode on cutting fertilizer costs:
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| E114 | Profit First: Flipping the Farm Business Mindset | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:31:06 | |
Episode Summary I recently talked with Mary Jo Irmen from Farming Without the Bank and this week I'm reflecting on that conversation, diving into one of the most fundamental and often overlooked mindset shifts in farm business management: evaluating which expenses are truly a need versus a want. This episode challenges you to flip the traditional income-minus-expenses equation on its head. I also touch on concepts from Mike Michalowicz's book Profit First. This episode offers practical examples, honest self-reflection, and challenges you to examine the fear and generational conditioning that can keep farmers from making hard but necessary financial decisions. Highlights from this week's episode:
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| E113 | From Cornfields to Content: Farming in the Digital Age with Quentin Connealy | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:43:40 | |
Episode Summary This week I welcome Quentin Connealy, an Eastern Nebraska farmer, social media creator, and podcast co-host to Pioneer Mindset. Tune into our conversation where we cover the realities of modern farming, from flooding and weather extremes to ag tech adoption, mental health, and staying positive through the inevitable cycles of farm life. Quentin shares how wakeboarding in a cornfield back in 2017 accidentally launched his social media presence, and how that platform evolved into a genuine community-building tool and even a business asset. Join us for this grounded conversation that is full of practical wisdom for anyone in agriculture. In this week's episode with Quentin:
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| E112 | What is the Cross You Carry Teaching You? | 31 mars 2026 | 00:21:20 | |
Episode Summary As we enter Holy Week, I wanted to focus this week's podcast episode on faith, perspective, and the weight we all carry. I walk through the parable of The Prodigal Son and how each character, the younger son, the older son, and the father each represent struggles we all face in our own lives. From chasing what we think we want, to feeling overlooked even when doing everything "right," to learning how to extend grace and love, this episode challenges you to see yourself in the story and reflect on where you're at today. I also share how hardship, pressure, and uncertainty often become the very things that draw us closer to faith and how shifting your perspective can change how you carry those burdens. Whether you're strong in your faith, struggling, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to lean in, reflect, and grow, especially during a season meant for exactly that. Resources & Links:
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| E111 | 5 Things to Help Stay Intentional this Spring | 24 mars 2026 | 00:26:18 | |
Episode Summary As the busy spring season approaches, it's easy to get caught in the cycle of constant work. We focus only on the production side and can lose sight of what truly matters. In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I share five practical ways to stay grounded, in control, and aligned with your goals before things get busy. From knowing your numbers to protecting your time and relationships, this episode is a reminder that success isn't just about working harder, it's about being intentional so you can build a life worth living, not just a business. Here are some key takeaways from this week's episode:
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| E110 | Why I Started Pioneer Farmer | 17 mars 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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| E109 | When the Thing You Love Becomes the Hardest Job | 10 mars 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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| E108 | Crop Insurance in 2026: What Changed & Why It Matters with Landon Shafer | 03 mars 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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| E107 | Farming for Resilience with Matt Griggs: Part 2 | 24 févr. 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 févr. 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 févr. 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 févr. 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 janv. 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 janv. 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 janv. 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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| E100 | The Season That Almost Broke Us But Built Us Instead with Ellan Ruskamp | 06 janv. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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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| 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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