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:

• 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 Matt:

• Follow Matt on Facebook
• Follow Matt on YouTube
• Follow Matt on Tik Tok
• Griggs Farms Website

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

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!

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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!