Some folks think Mary Jo Irmen doesn’t understand farming. Spoiler alert: she does.

In this episode, Mary Jo sets the record straight about her deep roots in agriculture, from growing up on a cattle ranch in North Dakota to working with thousands of farmers across the country. 

She shares her personal story, her family’s generational farm history, and why that firsthand experience is critical when helping farmers implement the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC).

If you’ve ever wondered whether Mary Jo “gets it,” this episode is the proof.

From banker demands to cattle cycles to generational land transfers, she knows the realities farmers face and why most financial advisors don’t.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

Farmers don’t need a banker who knows how to farm—they need one who knows how money works

You can’t save the farm without first understanding how to manage cash flow and build your own banking system

Generational wealth in farming takes more than grit; it takes the right mindset and financial strategy

Advisors who don’t understand the lifestyle have no business giving you advice

⏱️ EPISODE TIMECODES

(00:00) – The forgotten piece of every farm operation: the money

(00:26) – People don’t know Mary Jo’s background in farming

(01:10) – Common assumptions during client meetings

(01:47) – Mary Jo’s family history: 4 generations of farming

(03:27) – Discovering Infinite Banking and its fit for farmers

(04:44) – Why she focused her business on working with farmers

(05:52) – The idea behind writing Farming Without the Bank

(07:01) – Owning the bank is pointless if you don’t use it

(07:47) – Why you need to tend to your own bank

(08:00) – Thousands of one-on-one conversations with farmers

(10:03) – You don’t need an agronomist—you need a money expert

(11:03) – Learning farming practices across 47+ states

(13:02) – Most farmers are ignoring the most important asset: money

(14:00) – Preparing for generational transfer isn’t premature—it’s essential

(16:01) – Why Mary Jo really gets farming

(17:01) – There is no such thing as a predictable profit margin

(18:08) – Don’t take advice from someone who doesn’t know the industry

(19:17) – Farming isn’t a job—it’s a way of life

(20:12) – “Every farmer is my farmer.” Why Mary Jo defends her people

(22:20) – You have enough vultures. Don’t work with one more

(23:26) – Yes, Mary Jo still owns farm ground

(24:31) – Why her husband should’ve been born a farmer

(24:50) – How to get the book or contact Mary Jo

📚 RESOURCES & LINKS

📘 Grab your copy of Farming Without the Bank: 👉 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book

📅 Ready to talk? Book a meeting with Mary Jo: 👉 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact

💬 Questions or feedback? 📨 [email protected]

👍 Follow on Facebook: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/FarmingWithoutTheBank

🔥 WANT TO KEEP LEARNING? Binge past episodes and hear how real farmers are using IBC to take back control. If you’ve ever thought “she doesn’t get it,” this episode proves you wrong.