Episode Summary

As the 2025 crop season kicks into gear, it's tempting to trim expenses wherever possible. But in this episode, I dive into why investing in the right tools and data—like soil testing, agronomic consulting, and financial clarity—can make the difference between just getting by and growing a profitable, sustainable operation.

In this week’s episode I share my thoughts of cutting expenses vs important investments:

• Why some costs—like soil tests and expert guidance—are not expenses, but investments
• How soil tests improve decision-making around fertilizer, seed, and input efficiency
• Mindset of valuing tangible investments (like equipment) over data or advice
• Parallels between agronomic planning and financial planning for your farm
• Why waiting too long to invest in tools for clarity can be too late

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 welcome back Zane from Tredas to the podcast! We dive back into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely vital—grain marketing. We dig into why many farmers are hesitant to adopt futures, options, or work with marketing advisors, often due to fear, past negative experiences, or a lack of understanding. The conversation highlights how marketing can shift an operation from reactive to proactive, allowing farmers to make more business-minded, less emotional decisions. As planting season ramps up, we also discuss practical ways to stay focused on your marketing plan, even when things get busy in the field.

In this week’s episode, Zane shares some key insights into grain marketing:

• Education and asking questions are critical to overcoming hesitation and gaining confidence in marketing strategies.
• It's important to separate your experience with a person from the validity of the tool—don’t let one bad advisor ruin a good strategy.
• Successful grain marketing starts with knowing your breakevens and cost of production—everything else builds from there.
• As planting begins, remember your marketing window is open—don’t let busy season cause you to miss opportunities.

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 Zane at Tredas:

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

Connect with Garrett:

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

Whether you're brand new to marketing or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this episode is packed with perspective, encouragement, and actionable insights.

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

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, I explore the balance between self-care and selfishness.Self-care is about maintaining alignment with the season of life you're in—whether it's growing a business, raising a family, or both—so that you can show up as the best version of yourself.By taking care of yourself the right way, you create a positive ripple effect on those around you and your business.

In this week’s episode I share some thoughts on how it isn’t selfish to take time for yourself for self-care:

• Balance is Seasonal: Life demands change, and self-care should align with your current phase.
• Sustainable Growth: Burnout happens when self-care is neglected. Prioritizing yourself ultimately benefits your family, business, and overall quality of life.
• Results-Oriented Mindset: The goal is more energy, resilience, and fulfillment—leading to a thriving business and personal life.

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 episode, I discuss how movement and physical exercise can help quiet the mind, keep negative thoughts in check, and bring clarity when we’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a workout, a walk, or a hard day’s work on the farm, there’s power in using the body to reset the mind.

A few key takeaways from this week’s episode:

• Why exercise or movement can help quiet negative thoughts
• The role of networks and communities in personal growth
• Practical ways to apply this concept in your daily life

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 episode of Pioneer Mindset, I take a step back from business talk to focus on something just as important—personal growth and balance. I share a recent experience with my kids that led to a powerful realization about patience, perspective, and faith. After a common bedtime struggle of the kids not getting their way, I realized how we, as adults, often react similarly when life doesn’t go our way. While diving into the "Core Four" principles, focusing specifically on Balance and Being.Tune in this week week as I dive into how little moments in parenthood can shape our mindset, relationships, and personal growth.

In this week’s episode I share some key takeaways on being a father and how parenting can offer some key life lessons:

• Lessons in Balance: How small, everyday moments with family can provide deeper insights into life and mindset.
• Emotional Growth: The importance of holding space for emotions—both in children and ourselves.
• Perspective Shift: How challenging situations can be opportunities for reflection and growth.
• Faith and Patience: Understanding life’s timing and learning to trust the process.

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 episode of Pioneer Mindset, we dive into the undeniable passion that farmers, ranchers, and business owners have for their work. Whether it’s planting crops, raising livestock, or running a business, we often find joy in the work itself. But at what cost? Are we sacrificing too much—our time, money, or even our family life—to keep doing what we love?

I talk about the balance between passion and responsibility, the risks of taking our dedication too far, and the importance of shifting our priorities to create a sustainable and fulfilling future. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to balance work with life, this episode is for you.

In this week’s episode I share (include keyword from title):

• Why farmers, ranchers, and business owners love what they do
• The sacrifices we make to keep doing what we love—time, money, and freedom
• The contradiction between working hard for a better future and missing out on the present
• How to shift your mindset and priorities for a more sustainable life
• The difference between working in your business vs. working on your business
• What happens if we don’t make a change—potential risks and long-term consequences

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 episode, I dive deep into idea of "what you're not changing, you're choosing" and how this statement can challenge us to reflect on our current situations, acknowledge our struggles, and determine whether we will remain stagnant or take action to change.

Key takeaways from this week’s episode:

• Recognizing Uncontrollable vs. Controllable Factors: While external challenges may be inevitable, our responses to them shape our outcomes.
• The Pain of Staying the Same vs. The Pain of Change: True growth happens when the discomfort of the current situation outweighs the fear of change.
• Daily Decisions Matter: Change isn’t a one-time event but a continuous choice we must make daily.
• Learning from the Past: If we fail to learn from our past mistakes, we are choosing to repeat them—potentially passing those struggles on to future generations.
• Farm Succession and Generational Planning: Decisions made today impact the future sustainability of agricultural operations. Splitting assets evenly may not always set the next generation up for success.
• Taking Ownership: Whether in business, family, or personal growth, owning our choices leads to growth and resilience.

Change is never easy, but staying stuck can be even harder in the long run. The choice is always yours. Will you remain where you are, or will you take action to create a better future for yourself, your family, and your business?

If this episode resonated with you or if you're struggling with making a change, reach out

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

When it comes to expanding your farm operation, there are lot of factors that play into those big decisions.Whether you're considering leasing more land, purchasing additional acreage, or investing in new equipment, I dive into the financial, operational, and strategic factors that should guide your choices.Tune into this week’s discussion on farm expansion to learn more!

In this week’s episode I share some key insights on farm expansion:

• Understanding Your Business Goals – Defining long-term and short-term objectives to guide farm expansion.
• The Role of Financial Planning – How to evaluate cash flow, debt levels, and overall financial stability before making expansion decisions.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis – Weighing the financial risks and benefits of expansion opportunities.
• Evaluating Debt vs. Cash Flow – How to fund expansion wisely without overextending your farm’s financial health.

Expanding your farm can be a game-changer, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. By evaluating your operation’s financial integrity, analyzing your opportunities with a strategic mindset, and making sure that growth aligns with your long-term goals, you can set yourself up for sustainable success.

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

Welcome back to this week’s episode of Pioneer Mindset where I sit down with insurance agent, Landon Shafer and we dive into different strategic options to protect your operation!

Navigating crop insurance decisions requires a strategic and informed approach to protect both revenue and yield. With tight margins and an ever-changing market landscape, farmers must move beyond making the same choices year after year and instead focus on making intentional, data-driven decisions. Understanding break-even projections, revenue guarantees, and available coverage options is crucial to mitigating financial risks.Additionally, broader insurance options for livestock and forage present opportunities for farmers to safeguard their entire operation.Check out this week’s episode for more!

Key points from this week’s crop insurance conversation with Landon Shafer:

• Break-even Analysis: Knowing break-even yields and costs is critical for making informed coverage decisions.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Crop insurance should be a business decision, not an emotional or habitual one.
• Hail and Wind Coverage: Rising costs require producers to reassess deductibles and coverage levels to balance affordability with protection.
• Livestock Insurance: High prices make revenue protection policies like LRP and LGM valuable tools for managing risk.
• Customizing Coverage: Farmers should assess their unique risk tolerance and adjust policies accordingly, rather than opting for a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Value vs. Premium Costs: The focus should be on maximizing coverage value rather than just minimizing premiums.
• Annual Reassessment: Because conditions change yearly, reviewing and adjusting coverage options is essential for optimizing risk management.

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

Planning for the unexpected is crucial for farmers and ranchers, whether operating solo or within a family business. Without a clear plan, a sudden accident, disability, or death can turn a once-thriving operation into a burden for loved ones. To prevent chaos, it's essential to document daily processes, financial details, and contingency plans to ensure smooth continuity. Proactively addressing these concerns may be uncomfortable, but it is far better than leaving loved ones to navigate a crisis unprepared.Tune into this week’s episode for actionable tips on how to set your business up to continue when the unexpected happens.

Key takeaways from this week’s episode on how to prepare for the unexpected:

• Decentralized Operations – Even in a one-person business, someone else should be familiar with daily tasks.
• Record-Keeping – Maintain detailed records of assets, debts, contracts, and operational processes.
• Financial Planning – Assess life insurance coverage, disability insurance, and savings to ensure financial security.
• Income Stability – Evaluate how many months of expenses are covered by savings in case of injury or inability to work.
• Family Considerations – If the primary provider is lost, ensure plans are in place for the family’s financial stability.
• Proactive Mindset – Thinking through worst-case scenarios now can prevent major hardships later.

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!