Episode Summary

This week on Pioneer Mindset, I am diving into managing the different key areas of our farm operations and being intentional on where we are managing our time, both in the field and the finances.

In this week’s episode I share some thoughts that came up as we were in the thick of spraying this year’s crop:

• I share an experience where I wasn’t as intentional in the field and the consequences that came from poor management.
• While focusing on the day to day operation is important, it’s just as important to take the time to apply that same mindset of management to our finances as well.
• A mindset shift towards intention and awareness in management of all aspects of the operation is crucial to long term success.

Resources:

• Wondering how I can support you and provide guidance for better management? 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 shift my focus back to the mindset challenges that farmers face, especially during the busy season.I reflect on some personal challenges I’ve recently faced through trying new farming practices and dive into the mental stories that often come with working in the field and the difficulties in managing these thoughts.

A few key take aways in this episode when handling challenges and ego that comes with trying new things on the farm:

• Mindset Management: Being aware and understanding how to navigate the mindsets that come from new challenges.
• Ego and Humility: Recognizing the role of ego in decision-making and the necessity of being open to failure and learning from it. I dive into how our ego can both drive innovation and lead to humbling experiences.
• Focusing on the Facts: The importance of grounding ourselves in factual information to prevent our thoughts from spiraling out of control, especially when facing unexpected setbacks.

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

Today, I continue the discussion from the last episode on making informed financial decisions. I share my experience with a software program that has transformed our operation’s financial management over the past three years.

In this episode I share all the benefits of this financial tool:

• I share how this tool can help you stay on top of your numbers and make proactive decisions for your farming operation.
• I dive into the balance sheet and cash flow portions of the software and how they relate to decision making.
• Not only will this tool help you stay on top of your numbers, it provides clarity and confidence when making decisions to move your operation forward in the right direction.

Resources:

• If you want to learn more about Farmer Metrics, check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here!
• If you want to chat more about the software reach out on social media or send me an email at [email protected].

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 how to make informed decisions in our farming operations.I share my most recent experience with this year’s alfalfa crop and how a change in price affected our breakeven projections.This episode is not just about alfalfa but it's about focusing on the principles of strategic decision-making that can apply to any crop or livestock operation.

In this episode I share our recent experience with a change in alfalfa prices and how I made a decisions based on that change:

• In moments of unexpected change it’s easy to get caught up in the emotions and let that drive our decision making but I share how it’s important to get back to the numbers to help you make an informed decision.
• Taking the time to know and understand your numbers and your financial position really helps kill the scarcity that change brings.
• Change is inevitable in farming but having a clear understanding of your finances helps take the feelings of scarcity and emotion out of decision making.

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

Welcome back to another episode of Pioneer Mindset! It's easy to get caught up, stressed, and lose sight of the joy in our daily tasks, especially in agriculture. Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity to haul corn, drive truck, and bail hay—tasks I genuinely enjoy.Shift my mindset to focus on the things that I enjoy each day has been a game changer for me.Today I am sharing about a concept that can help anyone struggling with finding balance and alignment in their life.

In this episode I break down the concept of CORE 4 and how I can help you find alignment in your life:

• What is CORE 4? Body, Being, Balance and Business
• I share what each part of CORE 4 is and how they are all connected to one another.
• By being aware of each area and how they are connected can help you focus on what you can control while trying to navigate difficult challenges or stressful seasons.

Resources:

• 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 today’s episode, I talk focus on mindset during the busy season, talking about the stories we tell ourselves and the comparisons we often make with others. I dive into some of the mental challenges we all face during the busy farming seasons and share some strategies I use to help keep a positive mindset and effectively manage a busy workload.

In this episode we share my thoughts on busy season mindsets:

• I talk about the impact that the comparison game during busy seasons can have on your mental state.
• I share how sticking to prioritizing tasks can help with staying efficient during busy seasons.
• I talk about the importance of shifting gears and recognizing when it’s time to detach from work.

Resources:

• 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 today’s episode I talk about some of the challenges when it comes to work and family balance during the busy seasons.Everyone’s situation and life is different but being aware and shifting your mindset could have a huge impact on how you balance your work/life balance.

In this episode I share how shifting my mindset has helped me work through the challenges of balancing work and family life:

• I share a metaphor that has really helped me shift my mindset to work through balancing work and family especially during the busy seasons.
• How being aware and understanding of this balance and what I can do to help correct things when it gets off balance.
• I also talk about balance vs alignment and how this applies to your life by understanding the goals for your business and family.

Resources:

• 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

Today I dive into the principles of extreme ownership discussed in one of my favorite books, “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.In this book they share their experiences in the military and how they can be applied to life and business.I am excited to share my takeaways from this book and how I have applied them to my own life.

In this episode I share the principles of extreme ownership and how they can be applied to business:

• I dive into the four laws of combat discussed in the book and what they are.
• I also share how taking extreme ownership of my actions has shaped my mindset in life and how it has affected how I approach challenges in our operation.

Resources:

• Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here!
• To check out the book “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, 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

Today I take a look at farm income trends over the years, what "returning to normal" could look like and how farmers can navigate the financial ebbs and flows from the markets. I discuss how knowing our enterprise breakevens has impacted our operation and marketing decisions.I share how farmers can still make informed decisions that are beneficial to their operation even through the uncertainty of the markets.

In this episode I break down some of the trends of farm income and how that can impact our operations:

• I dive into the different trends of farm income over the years and their impact.
• I discuss the importance of knowing your enterprise breakevens and their impact on marketing.
• I talk about value of having a marketing plan and an advisor to help make marketing decisions.

Resources & Links:

• Check out my free training, 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 dive into the importance of focusing on providing value to others not only in business but also in our personal life as well.By shifting our mindset to value over money, it can have a great impact on others and ourselves in return.

In this episode we share the mindset shift of providing value instead of just chasing the dollar:

• I share how beneficial it can be by being intentional about daily actions and evaluating whether they contribute to providing value to others.
• I highlight the importance of investing time and effort in relationships with friends, family, and children, that will pay off in long-term benefits for everyone.
• I encourage you to reflect on your own actions and intentions at the end of they day and how they aim to provide value in your business and relationships.

Resources:

• Check out my free training, 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!