Episode Summary

In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I dive into an essential question for every farmer or rancher: "Do you know your current financial position?" This week, I explain why understanding your financial situation is crucial for securing financing and continuing operations into the next year. As harvest season kicks off, I encourage you to evaluate your working capital, equipment values, and commodity prices, as these factors directly impact your ability to secure future funding.

In this week’s episode I share insights on how to prepare to for securing next year’s funding:

• Do you have a clear grasp of your finances? Knowing your current financial standing is critical for future success.
• The impact of how the declining values of equipment and commodities are going to have on our financial position for next year.
• The importance of being proactive and preparing for renewal season now and not waiting until next year.

Resources & Links:

• Knowing your financial position and being proactive in working with your banker can streamline your renewal process, ultimately minimizing your stress, even in a downturn year.Learn more about Pioneer Farmer and how I can help you stay on top of your farm’s finances by checking out my free training here!

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp

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

Episode Summary

In this important and deeply personal episode, I speak on a topic that is often left unspoken—mental health and suicide awareness, especially within the agriculture industry. September is Suicide Awareness Month, and it's important to address the mental health struggles that many face but seldom discuss, particularly among farmers, ranchers, and ag business owners.

In this week’s episode I share some of my own experiences when it comes to mental health and how mental health is a big issue in agriculture:

• Mental health is often overlooked because it’s not talked about enough
• Navigating business while dealing with mental health struggles
• The importance of talking about our struggles and the strength of admitting we are not okay
• The value and importance of being a friend and being kind to others always

Resources:

• One of my goals inside of Pioneer Farmer is to be support system to other farmers and ranchers while giving them the safe space to openly talk about their struggles, knowing they are not alone in what they face inside their businesses.If this episode hits home for you, please click here to schedule a call with me to have a safe and honest conversation about some of the issues you may be facing in your business or operation.

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp

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

Episode Summary

This week I am excited to welcome my first guest to Pioneer Mindset, Zane Abner, a grain and livestock risk management consultant and insurance agent with Tredas. As we approach the fall harvest season, Zane shares valuable insights for farmers and ranchers on navigating grain markets, managing risk, and creating proactive strategies to maximize profits. With a focus on practical advice for grain marketing, this episode is packed with tips to help producers make informed decisions during a volatile time in agriculture.

In this week’s episode I sit down with Zane to talk about grain markets as we head into harvest season.Below are some key topics we dive deep on in this episode.

• The importance of a proactive marketing plan
• Managing basis and carry with flexibility and efficiency
• Considering your cash flow needs when creating your marketing strategy
• Being a Price Maker vs. Price Taker
• The importance of having emotional detachment when creating a marketing plan

Connect with Zane at Tredas:

• Check out their website - www.gotredas.com
• Follow on Facebook - Tredas

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp

Resources & Links:

• Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here!

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