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:

• To learn more about how I can help you achieve financial clarity and confidence through essential tools and systems, check out my free training here!

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp
• Follow on TikTok - @garrettruskamp
• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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:

• How over-specialization has increased risk across farming operations
• Why efficiency matters more than maximum yield
• The hidden cost of technology and "easy button" solutions
• How some farmers are producing the same yields without borrowing operating money
• Using diversification and livestock to rebuild resilience and optionality
• Why one-size-fits-all recommendations hurt profitability
• What it takes to build farms the next generation can realistically return to

Resources & Links:

• To learn more about how I can help you achieve financial clarity and confidence through essential tools and systems, check out my free training here!

Connect with David:

• Follow David on Facebook - Progressive Agronomy Consulting Services

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp
• Follow on TikTok - @garrettruskamp
• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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:

• Loan renewals don't have to feel uncertain. Watch my free Loan Renewal Training here to learn how to walk into your next renewal prepared, confident, and in control.

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp
• Follow on TikTok - @garrettruskamp
• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!