Pioneer Mindset

Episode Summary In this week's solo episode of Pioneer Mindset , I dive deep into how you think about money — because your mindset around money impacts far more than just your bank account. I recently listened to one of Mel Robbins' podcast interviews with Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money .From that episode, I share my own thoughts and break down the core principles from the book a...

Episode Summary As harvest wraps up, I take a practical look at one of the most common questions farmers face each fall: is custom work worth it? Whether you're combining for neighbors, drilling cover crops, or taking on extra acres to help justify equipment costs, there are real pros, cons, and mindset shifts to consider. In this episode, I break down how to evaluate custom work in your own opera...

Episode Summary In this solo episode, Garrett opens up about the reality of "trying so hard" — in harvest, in family life, in business, and in faith. From long days in the combine to the quiet moments of reflection that come after, this conversation is an honest look at the weight many farmers carry: trying to be the best husband, father, Christian, and business owner — all at once. In this week's...

Episode Summary In this episode of Pioneer Mindset , I break down one of the most overlooked skills in agriculture — decision-making. Every day, farmers and ranchers make thousands of choices, but not all of them are quality decisions. I dive into what it means to make high-quality decisions, why the process matters more than the outcome, and how improving your decision-making directly impacts pro...

Episode Summary Harvest season brings long days, high pressure, and plenty of comparison — whether it's yields, equipment, or how much progress the neighbors have made. I share an honest look at how harvest is going at Ruskamp Farms and the mindset shifts that can make all the difference. I dive into the realities of yields, basis changes, long hours, and the constant temptation to push harder — b...

Episode Summary Garrett sits down with Trent Mastny , a Nebraska-based farmer, agronomist and sales rep with JTM Ag , to explore how the next generation of soil sampling tools can help farmers make smarter fertility and planting decisions. They break down what makes zone sampling more accurate than traditional grids, how the Haney test measures real nutrient availability, and why tools like Fertic...

Episode Summary In this week's episode, I talk about one of the most universal struggles for farmers and ranchers — confidence . Whether you see yourself as naturally confident or someone who wrestles with self-doubt, this conversation dives deep into why confidence matters, how faith ties directly into it, and what practical steps you can take to strengthen both. This episode challenges you to fl...

Episode Summary In this week's episode of Pioneer Mindset , I talk about what it takes to move beyond "getting by" and stepping into true ownership—both in life and in business. Are you just keeping up, or are you stepping up as a businessman? This episode dives into the idea that to have what others don't, you must do what others won't. I apply this mindset across the CORE 4—body, being, balance,...

Episode Summary This week on the podcast, I dive into profitability! I talk why now—before harvest kicks into full swing—is the ideal time to evaluate your numbers, build crop plans for next season, and get clear on what's truly profitable in your operation. In this week's episode on profitability: Why profitability is more than just having cash in the bank The difference between cash vs. accrual...

Episode Summary This week, I sit down with Zane Abner of Tredas to dig into grain and cattle marketing strategies that help producers stay proactive instead of reactive. From handling grain carry and price spreads to managing cattle market volatility, Zane shares practical tools and mindset shifts that keep operations steady when markets swing. We explore how to create flexible plans, avoid emotio...

Episode Summary Crop insurance may not be the most exciting part of farming, but it can make or break your bottom line. In this episode of Pioneer Mindset , I sits down with crop insurance agent and advisor Landon Shafer to break down what farmers need to know heading into harvest and beyond. From understanding new program changes and margin coverage options to managing claims, price discovery, an...

Episode Summary What's driving your goals—the destination, or the journey it takes to get there? In this conversation with John Sachse of RanchFIT Coaching, we dig into the deeper meaning behind goal setting, physical fitness, and living with intention in farming, ranching, and life. From training for the Boston Marathon to hosting annual ruck events, John shares how the pursuit itself often bring...

Episode Summary Life comes at us in seasons. Some are filled with growth and excitement, others with struggle and exhaustion. And too often, we either compare our season to someone else's or complain about the one we're in—without realizing it may be the very season we once prayed for. In this week's episode I share some thoughts on embracing the season you're in: Why it's critical to acknowledge...

Episode Summary What do you want? It's a simple question—but often one of the hardest to answer. In this episode of Pioneer Mindset , I dive into the idea of happiness, contentment, and the constant pursuit of "more" in our lives and businesses. Key thoughts from this week's episode: Why "wanting everything leaves you with nothing." The tug of war between contentment and ambition. Why money may no...

Episode Summary This week, I am diving into some lessons from our recent wheat harvest. Wheat isn't a huge crop for our area, but I break down the reason why we choose to keep it in our rotation and how this season turned out for us. It wasn't a record-breaking year, but our marketing strategy turned a potential loss into a profitable crop. Tune in to for some valuable insights on strategy and mak...

Episode Summary In this episode, I tackle a big question that every operator faces at some point: Do we fix our equipment or trade it in? I walk through a recent equipment decision we face and dive into the numbers, the decision-making process, and the trade-offs involved when it comes to managing one of the biggest line items on the farm. Your operation is unique. Don't get caught chasing what th...

Episode Summary In this episode of Pioneer Mindset , Garrett digs into one of the most common and costly mistakes farmers and ranchers face— poor time management . Whether you're working long days in the field or trying to balance chores, business, and family, it can feel like there's just never enough time. But what if the problem isn't how much work there is—but how we've been trained to think a...

Episode Summary In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I'm breaking down the 5 C's of Credit —Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions—and how these can help farmers maximize their lender relationships and navigate tough times with clarity and confidence. Whether you're a first-generation farmer just starting out, or a multi-generational operation looking to future-proof your business...

Episode Summary This week, I continue the conversation on the 1980s farm crisis. I welcome my dad back on to the podcast for him to share his story of the farming during the 80s. He shares his experiences and lessons that he learned from this difficult chapter in agriculture. Let's take the resilience and knowledge gained from past experiences to think differently and lead boldly in our operations...

Episode Summary Welcome back to Pioneer Mindset this week where I reflect on the 1980s farm crisis and how its lessons still echo in agriculture today. While history doesn't always repeat itself, today's farmers face many of the same pressures: rising debt, uncertain markets, and the tension between tradition and change. I dive into the similarities between then and now, what's different in 2025,...

Episode Summary In this special episode, I sit down with my dad, Tom, to talk through the history of our family farm—where it started, how it's evolved, and the values that have carried it forward. We dig into some of his earliest memories of farming, the challenges he faced early on, and the key lessons he's learned along the way. It's a personal conversation packed with perspective, laughter, an...

Episode Summary This week on Pioneer Mindset, I dive into how you can be practical about staying financially sharp in the middle of the busy season. Whether you're wrapping up spraying, running hay, or livestock, the farm work never stops—but that doesn't mean the business side should get left behind. In this episode, I walk through a checklist of what to focus on financially, how to stay updated...

Episode Summary This week's episode focuses on the challenge of setting and maintaining boundaries in both personal and business life. Boundaries are essential to protecting your priorities, preserving your energy, and enabling you to lead with integrity and purpose. Whether you're a business owner, a parent, or a leader in your community, this episode will equip you with tools to say "no" effecti...

Episode Summary This week's podcast episode is one that affects every farmer, rancher, and ag business owner— energy management .During the busy season, the pressure piles on. Whether it's the stress of planting delays, lack of rain, or just long, demanding days, it's easy to let that pressure bleed into your relationships and mindset. And the truth is your energy is contagious. Tune in to hear mo...

Episode Summary Diversification vs. Specialization. Which makes sense for your operation? This week I dive into the pros and cons of both. Cash flow in ag can be tight but knowing which option is best for operation comes down to knowing where the true profitability lies within your operation. Tune in for some actionable steps to get your operation moving in the right direction. Actionable Takeaway...