Your Ag Empire

We have a really special episode this week, Jonathon sits down with his son Jack and they talk all things growing up farming and ranching. Jack talks about his favorite things to do while helping his dad and even some of his favorite equipment. Jack gives listeners a little advise from a kids prospective when it comes to growing up in this industry. Jack and Jonathon talk about how there is no pressure to stay in this industry when Jack gets older if his heart isn’t in it. Overall its such a fresh outlook hearing what a 9 year old has to say about the agriculture world, and shows just how important it is to keep our kids involved.

In today’s solo episode Jonathon talks about finding the joy in things. Sometimes life just beats you down and the last thing you can even think about is finding joy in anything you’re doing. We stress about timelines, success, and what other people are thinking about us. We can be our own worst enemy holding ridiculous standards to ourselves that most of the time don’t even matter. Jonathon talks about three points that he wants everyone to remember so hopefully we can bring some joy back into our lives in tough times. First being, stop regretting the past because that’s not going to get you anywhere in your present. Second, stop worrying about your future. This one may sound crazy but a lot of people get so wrapped up in thinking, planning, worrying for their future that they miss out on things in their present. This also spills over into the third point and that is stop worrying and looking for happiness in other people. You have to learn how to be happy on your own and not rely on other people to do it for you. If you can genuinely work on these three things you should be able to have joy in your life.

On today’s solo episode Jonathon discusses making hard decisions in your business. A big one right now in this current market is equipment. We would like to think that we could buy low and and sell high, but that’s not always the case so then we are left to make a hard decision. There are times when we need to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to do what works best for our operation. It is important to try and keep emotion out of business decisions like these and see what would be the most profitable for you.

Mastering the Market: Jonathon Haralson on Risk Management & Smart Selling Strategies

Holly is a pharmacist with more than a decade of experience ensuring accuracy in medication review and dispensing, along with complex medication therapy management. She pairs those skills with a passion for her family’s Texas farming and ranching operation. As the Grandview Farms bookkeeper, office manager, and all around entrepreneurial maven, Holly discovered her passion for solving financial puzzles and uses that skill to help bring financial best practices and sometimes a little order to the chaos in the books and offices of Empire Ag Clients.

Holly’s ultimate goal was to spend more time with her family and be present in all their activities. Creating Farm Assist has allowed her to do that as well as help many Farmers and Ranchers keep their operations in tip top shape. Holly has a heart for serving and a heart for Jesus, and it is very evident in her business.

In today’s episode we discuss:

The Farm Assist program offers a range of services including bookkeeping, training, and full-service bookkeeping for farmers and farm managers.

How it is important for farmers and ranchers to have a good understanding of their financial numbers and to consider hiring an office manager or just have a trusted person learn to handle the financial aspects of their operation.

Having a clear understanding of the financials and being able to tell the story behind the numbers is crucial for making informed decisions and planning for the future. This includes understanding the net profit percentage, break-even points, and historical data to guide marketing and business strategies.

Join us for an insightful episode where we explore the essential steps farmers and ranchers must take to secure their financial future and thrive in today's ever-changing agricultural landscape. Our host, Jonathon Haralson, delves into the critical need for agricultural entrepreneurs to invest in themselves and their businesses, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and resources to adapt to industry dynamics and safeguard operations. Discover the keys to building strong relationships with bankers and effectively communicating financial needs and plans to secure necessary funding. Gain valuable insights into maintaining clear and accurate financial records for banking and refinancing purposes, including budgeting, cost structure evaluation, and past performance analysis. Learn how to make calculated, non-emotional decisions based on financial data, including developing a robust marketing plan, pricing inputs, and implementing systems to protect against billing errors from suppliers. Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed in today's agricultural economy.

Shaye Reilly, M.Ed., MCP, LPC, who is not only certified as a psychometrist, she is also certified in Rural Resilience and Farm Response, is the principal at Alpha Assessment & Counseling, LLC., which is dedicated to providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults and families in rural Oklahoma as individuals with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in rural areas often have trouble finding appropriate services.

Shaye grew up in rural Oklahoma where her children attend the same school that she attended and was hired there to teach 3rd and 5th grade. After her divorce, she enrolled in graduate school to become a school counselor. Along the way she decided to continue and receive her masters of counseling psychology. Shaye is certified in trauma, grief, and loss in children and adolescents and believes that all children deserve to feel love and protected.

https://www.alphaenid.com/

In this episode we discuss:

Increased rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among individuals in the agriculture and ranching community due to financial and family pressures, leading to a need for counseling and support services.

It is important for farmers and ranchers to prioritize their mental health and seek out resources and support, as depression and anxiety are real issues within the agricultural community.

If someone doesn’t get what they need, they should keep reaching out until they find some support.

Encouraging farmers and ranchers to take care of themselves and prioritize their mental health.

Colby and Phallyn King are the visionary duo behind 4 Kings Ranch and 1684 Venue | Resort, residing in the serene landscapes of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. Colby's roots in Vian, Oklahoma, and Phallyn's upbringing in Seiling, Oklahoma, converge to create a dynamic partnership rooted in community, heritage, and innovation. Both graduates of Northeastern State University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University, their academic pursuits have enriched their journey, infusing their ventures with sophistication and warmth. As stewards of 4 Kings Ranch, they raise premier Braunvieh cattle, elevating their ranch to a coveted destination for genetics in Oklahoma. Beyond cattle, they champion sustainability with 4K Beef, offering locally sourced, grass-fed, and grain-finished beef. Their latest endeavor, 1684 Venue | Resort, stands as a testament to their passion for preserving legacies and creating unforgettable experiences in the heart of Green Country, Oklahoma. Through their podcast appearance, Colby and Phallyn offer insights into entrepreneurship, legacy-building, and the future of the beef industry.

https://1684venueresort.com/about

https://www.4kingsranch.net/

In this episode we discuss:

Hybrid breeding, color traits, and sustainability are key in the commercial bull market.

The challenges and lessons of entrepreneurship and legacy building, including the need for hard work, determination, and smart decision-making, as well as the importance of pivoting during uncertain times such as the pandemic.

How the 1684 venue offers a unique event space and supports the local community.

When contemplating investing in a new business venture, such as a wedding venue, it's important to understand the level of commitment and sacrifice required, as well as the potential for personal reward and fulfillment.

Adversity is common in agriculture, but finding support and taking action can help.

Building an Empire: Jonathon Haralson on Agriculture, Business & Balanced Success

In this solo episode of the Your Ag Empire podcast, host Jonathon Haralson takes listeners on a journey through his life as a sixth-generation farmer and rancher, culminating in the founding of Empire Ag. From his roots in Texas to his education at Texas A&M University, Jonathon's story is one of traditional farming values meeting innovative entrepreneurship.

Jonathon's career trajectory is marked by a deep understanding of the challenges facing the agricultural industry. Through his experiences as a licensed commodities broker and his dedication to mastering futures and options, he recognized the need for better resources tailored to the specific needs of farmers and ranchers.

Empire Ag was born from this vision: a company dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources to agricultural professionals. Grounded in Jonathon's expertise in risk management and financial consulting, Empire Ag aims to empower farmers and ranchers with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve sustained success in an ever-evolving industry.

At Empire Ag, the team is driven by a shared passion for agriculture and a commitment to fostering growth and prosperity within the community. Through tailored programs and a wealth of experience in commodity trading, financial consulting, bookkeeping, and field representation, Empire Ag stands as a beacon of support and guidance for farmers and ranchers at every stage of their journey.