Legacy Farmer The Podcast

For Den Hoed Dairy, perfect management wasn't enough to stop a hidden, invisible force from silently bleeding their family dairy dry. When the Den Hoed family transitioned their operation from Washington state to Wisconsin, they expected a deeper land base—but they walked straight into a multi-million dollar production trap. Despite harvesting their own feed, running their own logistics, and keepi...

"The average producer is being completely priced out of modern equipment—and the balance sheet is taking the hit." Sitting down with Phil Peabody, Chief Lending Officer at Capital Farm Credit, we peel back the curtain on what a portfolio wide look at the 2026 ag credit crisis actually looks like. Margins are tighter than they've been in decades, and lenders are noticing that over-expanded intermed...

"We signed the lease because they told us we were pre-approved... and then they just dropped us right on our butt."  Imagine doing everything right: running a farm for nine years, finally securing the lease, and getting the "green light" from your lender—only to have them pull the rug out from under you months later with a "straight-up no." In this episode of Legacy Farmer Live, we sit down with a...

The biggest threat to your farm's survival isn't the weather—it's the financial Debt Cycle. Hear the story of Ava, who left her career as a top ag loan underwriter because she was handcuffed from truly helping farm families. This is a powerful wake-up call for every Producer, Dairyman, and Rancher. We expose the Ag Banking Crisis, why young loan officers are unqualified, and why the bank may be de...

From growing up on a Michigan family farm to navigating the highs and lows of ag banking, Matt shares his journey of tough moral decisions, financial lessons, and why he ultimately joined Legacy Farmer. In this conversation, you'll hear the raw truth about banking red flags, farm financial struggles, and how farmers can take back control of their operations.

What happens when farmers finally take back control of their operation — and their future? In this powerful episode, former ag banker turned business coach Jen Erickson shares the hard truths, overlooked red flags, and critical lessons she's learned from working with hundreds of farm families across the country. We dive into what most farmers are never taught about numbers, legacy, and leadership...

In this episode, we sit down with Tork Whisler — co-host of Barn Talk to talk about the weight of legacy, lessons from failure, and what it really means to lead the next generation of farmers. From family dynamics and business recovery to social media and the future of agriculture, this conversation covers it all. Whether you're navigating farm transitions, building something of your own, or just...

Most family farm operations are run on emotion—and that's exactly why so many are collapsing. In this episode, Jace Young sits down with Legacy Farmer Business Coach Katie Taylor to talk about the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and leadership skills farm families must embrace if they want to survive and thrive in today's ag economy.  Ready to take control of your farm's financial future? Let's m...

Most farmers trust their banker to guide them on the health of their operation. That's the first mistake. In this episode, Jace sits down with Lance—Legacy Farmer's Director of Coaching and a former ag loan officer with over a decade of experience—to expose what's really going on inside the banking system… and why so many farmers don't see the collapse coming until it's too late. This is the hard...

Today's episode hits on a tough truth: nobody is coming to save you . In this episode, I share a recent conversation with a farm owner feeling the pressure of tough decisions and past mistakes. We dig into why ego, fear of being exposed, and avoiding tough conversations hold people back—and how those same issues can sink a family operation. I also talk about my own experiences, the lessons I learn...

In this episode, I'm sharing a personal story that hits close to home. One of our family friends is facing the tough reality of closing her business, and it got me reflecting on my own journey. From the struggles I faced in my early entrepreneurial days to hitting rock bottom and feeling like a failure, I've been there. Here's the thing—sometimes, to figure out what we do want, we first have to go...

The holidays can be a challenging time, filled with pressure, expectations, and emotional weight that can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we dive deep into the ways we often try to escape—whether it's through alcohol, drugs, or other numbing distractions—and the toll it takes on our lives and relationships. I open up about my own struggles during a difficult period and share the lessons I lear...

In this episode , I'm sharing what it's like to finally wake up and see the truth about the path I was on. For years, I followed the script society handed me, but it wasn't until I stepped back that I saw the lies holding me back. If you've ever questioned the direction of your life or business, this one's for you. Let's talk about breaking free and building something real. If you're ready to make...

In this episode, I dive into the difference between reacting and responding. Often, when we react, it's out of pure emotion—something triggers us, and we fire back without thinking, often leading to regrets and outcomes we don't want. But God doesn't react; He responds. Today, I'm breaking down how this principle applies in business, relationships, and life in general. By creating space and choosi...

In this episode, I dive into the powerful lesson of turning bad decisions into wisdom. Reflecting on my own journey, I share how past mistakes don't have to be life sentences—they can actually help us grow. Join me as I talk about the importance of letting go, embracing God's purpose, and shifting our focus to the positive steps that move us forward. This is a lesson every farmer—and anyone who's...

It's no secret that American farmers are facing unprecedented challenges. With high interest rates, low grain prices, and many farms across the country going bankrupt, the struggle is extremely real. Today, I want to explore the gifts hidden beneath these life challenges. This topic has been weighing heavily on my mind, and if you're an American farmer who is currently feeling the strain—like many...

In this episode of the Legacy Farmer Podcast, I dive into a tough but important topic: Forgiving Your Spouse. Over the years, we've had countless farm families join Legacy Farmer, each dealing with their own set of challenges—financial, operational, and personal. Unfortunately, divorce has been a reality for some of them. Today, I'm sharing my own reflections after 11 years of marriage, the strugg...

In this episode, I share my journey of connecting with God daily, reflecting on past mistakes, and exploring themes from A Course in Miracles . I discuss how our ego can create fear and hold us back from pursuing our true desires, often steering us away from God's guidance. I'll share personal experiences where listening to my ego led to tough decisions, and how embracing God's whispers has brough...

  In this episode of  Legacy Farmer The Podcast , I want to talk about the guilt that blinds so many of us. I've seen it in our Legacy Farmer members, and I've lived it myself. After leaving banking, I carried guilt that nearly wrecked my marriage and mental health. It kept me from seeing the opportunities God had for me. I want to share how I finally let go of that guilt, trusted God's plan, and...

In this episode of the Legacy Farmer Podcast, I dive into a message that's been hitting me hard lately: God created you to create. I've been intentional about connecting with God daily, and today, He reminded me that He put us here to act on the things He's calling us to do. I'll be sharing how fear, doubt, and ego can keep us stuck, and how trusting that small, quiet voice can lead to powerful ch...

In this episode of the Legacy Farmer Podcast , I dive into a topic that hits home for so many of us—impatience. As a business owner, I get it. We all want things to happen fast. But over the years, I've learned that chasing short-term wins can come at a big cost later on. I share my personal journey, from leaving the banking industry with nothing but uncertainty, to building Legacy Farmer, and the...

In this episode, I dive into something that's become a cornerstone in my life—building a daily connection with God. Every morning, I take time to read, reflect, and journal, and it's made a huge impact on how I handle life's challenges. I talk about how being intentional with this practice has helped me find peace, especially during tough times, and how reframing struggles as rewards from God can...

Ever felt like everything in your life was falling apart? I've definitely been there. In 2017, my family and I took a big leap, moving from Kansas to St. George, Utah, for what seemed like a promising opportunity. But just five months in, that opportunity disappeared, and we found ourselves back in Kansas, facing disappointment and uncertainty. During that tough time, I questioned everything—my ch...

As business owners, we're constantly faced with challenges, but how often do we take action versus just complaining? In this episode, I dive into my personal journey from being stuck in a victim mentality to taking ownership of my life, business, and finances. I share how shifting my mindset led to real change and why many of the problems we face today are often the very things we once prayed for....

The stories we tell ourselves can shape our reality. In a recent Legacy Farmer live event, we uncovered a deep-rooted 35-year-old story about body image that was a major barrier for one member. In this episode, we dive into how these internal narratives affect not just personal confidence but also business success. If you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled, this episode offers practical advice on how...