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!

Episode Summary

This week I explore the concept of missed opportunities and how decisions made in the past shape our present and future by learning from them.I talk about the importance of recognizing potential opportunities, even when they are disguised as challenges or obstacles.Many in farming and family businesses, often go back to the security of familiar paths rather than exploring new ventures that may offer growth and success.This episode is about encouraging you to be willing to explore new ideas, step into uncomfortable situations, and pursue opportunities with purpose and conviction.

In this week’s episode I share some of my thoughts around missed opportunities:

• Missed opportunities often stem from the fear of the unknown and the comfort of familiar situations.
• It’s important to not dwell on past mistakes but to learn from them and apply those lessons to future decisions.
• Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone; be willing to take risks and explore new ventures.
• Pursue opportunities with purpose and conviction, avoiding the pull to go back to comfortable but unfulfilling paths.
• Encourage younger generations to recognize and seize opportunities, helping them avoid the pitfalls of missed chances.

Resources & Links:

• Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click 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 episode, I dive into the challenge of decision-making on the farm and business.I share about a recent decision I was faced with, which was implementing a grain dryer project on our farm.I share about the struggles between weighing the pros and cons, the fear of unknown consequences, and the heavy responsibility that comes with making decisions that have substantial financial commitments.

In this week’s episode I share the weight of making decisions on the farm and in business:

• I dive into understanding how the weight of decisions can lead to stress and indecisiveness.
• How to effectively list out the benefits and drawbacks of any major decision.
• The importance of updating financial projections to guide decision-making.
• Embracing the uncertainty of the future and being prepared to learn from the outcomes.

Resources & Links:

• If you struggle with the weight of making major financial decisions, be sure to check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer. Click here to see how I can help you & your operation!

Connect with Garrett:

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

If you found this discussion helpful, make sure to follow/subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss out on future episodes. Also, share this episode with others who might be facing tough decisions in their business or personal lives.

Episode Summary

Have you ever taken the time to look back and reflect on your current season and realized it’s what you have been praying for?Do you find it hard to be content in your current season? In this week’s episode, I focus on the challenge of finding contentment and gratitude in the season you’re currently in, especially when faced with new challenges and opportunities.

In this week’s episode I share about finding contentment and gratitude in the season you’re currently in:

• The current season always seems like it’s the hardest.I dive into while each season has its challenges, it also has it’s rewards too.
• I talk about finding the balance of being content where you are but also striving towards achieving goals for the future.
• I wrap up the episode sharing the importance of finding gratitude in every season.

Resources & Links:

• Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click 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

This week I discuss the challenges and stories in our head that come from a scarcity mindset. How do we overcome these mindsets when faced with new challenges? Tune in as I share of some ways that have helped me breed clarity when faced with uncertainty.

In this week’s episode I share how we can deal with a scarcity mindset:

• I dive into how focusing on the facts can help us through the fog of uncertainty.
• I talk about the importance of focusing on our numbers and creating a plan in order to move forward through whatever we are currently facing.
• Remembering that we are not that only ones that struggle and that there is power in asking for help to guide us through our struggles, along with utilizing the proper tools and resources.

Resources & Links:

• Looking to gain some clarity? Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click 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 week’s episode, I share about our small grains harvest from this year, focusing on wheat, rye, and triticale.I dive into the yields, revenues, and unique benefits of each grain, and share some insights into our farming practices. Join me as I discuss the highs and lows of this year's harvest, the economics behind these crops, and the importance of soil health and crop diversity.

In this episode I give insight into our small grains harvest from this year:

• I dive into yields, crop marketing and revenue.
• The benefits of adding these small grains into our crop rotation and the soil health benefits.

Resources & Links:

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