Pioneer Mindset

Episode Summary

As the busy spring season approaches, it's easy to get caught in the cycle of constant work. We focus only on the production side and can lose sight of what truly matters. In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I share five practical ways to stay grounded, in control, and aligned with your goals before things get busy. From knowing your numbers to protecting your time and relationships, this episode is a reminder that success isn't just about working harder, it's about being intentional so you can build a life worth living, not just a business.

Here are some key takeaways from this week's episode:

• Know Your Numbers
• Revisit Your Goals
• Make (and Communicate) the Plan
• Schedule Non-Negotiable Check-Ins
• Schedule Non-Negotiable Check-Ins

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 on the podcast, I dive into sharing the story behind Pioneer Farmer.I talk about why I started the business, some of the struggles that I faced, and how I now helps farmers and ranchers take back control of their operations.

I talk about how some of our experiences on our operation like expanding our cow-calf operation and the financial pressure we faced after taking on debt from that expansion to navigating difficult conversations with bankers, attorneys, and family members. Like many producers, the challenge wasn't a lack of work ethic, it was a lack of financial clarity and a business framework for running the farm.

After being forced to actually look the numbers and rethink the future of our operation, we began rebuilding our operation with a stronger focus on financial awareness, strategic decision-making, and long-term sustainability.

That journey ultimately led to the creation of Pioneer Farmer, a coaching and consulting program designed to help farmers and ranchers gain clarity around their finances, build a plan for the future, and make confident decisions about their operations.

Tune in to this episode to learn more what Pioneer Farmer actually does, how the process works, and the five biggest obstacles that hold farmers back from running their operations like a business.

More importantly, I share the deeper mission behind the business: helping farmers build profitable, sustainable operations so they can continue doing what they love while strengthening the rural communities that depend on agriculture.

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

We've all heard the phrase: "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." But what if that is actually misleading?

In this week's episode, I dive into the question: Should you pursue your passion? While passion can be a powerful motivator, relying on it alone can also create unrealistic expectations, especially in industries like agriculture where adversity, financial pressure, and uncertainty are part of the journey.

I talk about experiences from our own operation from expanding our cow herd to eventually making the difficult decision to sell our cow herd. I talk about how passion can evolve when faced with real-world challenges. From calf loss and financial strain to burnout and difficult decisions, I reflect on how hardships can cloud the very passion that got you started in the first place.

This conversation isn't about abandoning passion. It's about protecting it by creating balance and recognizing the seasons of life you're in, setting boundaries, diversifying your identity, and sometimes making money in one area while pursuing passion in another.

This episode offers a different perspective: success often comes from combining skill, resilience, and purpose, not passion alone.

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 sat down with Landon Schafer to break down the biggest crop insurance updates heading into 2026. With increased premium support, expanded Beginning Farmer benefits, ARC/PLC flexibility, and stronger ECO/SCO options, this isn't a year to auto-renew coverage. It's a year to intentionally evaluate your risk, your cost of production, and how your insurance strategy supports your revenue and marketing plan.

In this week's episode about crop insurance we dive into these key factors:

• Premium support increased — many producers may see lower per-acre costs in 2026.
• ECO & SCO up to 95%% support — making county-level coverage more affordable than ever.
• Beginning Farmer benefits extended to 10 years with enhanced premium discounts.
• ARC/PLC flexibility improved, including higher reference prices and dual-benefit opportunities for 2025.
• Revenue protection > yield protection — insurance decisions should align with your financial strategy, not just bushels.

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

We are back this week with part 2 of my conversation with Matt Griggs on farming for resilience! We continue to dive deep into making decisions that strengthen your operation for the future and generations to come.

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

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!