E91 | The Weight of Always Trying: Letting Go of Striving and Trusting God’s Plan
Release Date: 11/04/2025
E104 | Has Progress Hurt Farm Profitability? With David Kleinschmidt
Pioneer Mindset
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...
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E103 | How to Take Control of Your Line of Credit Renewal
Pioneer Mindset
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...
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E102 | Surviving vs. Progressing: The Importance of Goal Setting
Pioneer Mindset
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...
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E101 | Comparison Is the Thief of Progress
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary This week I talk about the mindset of jealousy — why it shows up so easily, how it holds us back, and what to do instead. I talk about how comparing ourselves to others can lead us to idolize their success, dismiss our own path, and lose focus on what actually serves us. I challenge you to stop trying to be someone else and instead commit to becoming the best version of yourself. The episode walks through why jealousy doesn’t move us forward, how shifting toward self-awareness and intentional growth creates momentum, and why faith and perspective are critical when...
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E100 | The Season That Almost Broke Us But Built Us Instead with Ellan Ruskamp
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary In this milestone 100th episode, I sat down with my wife, Ellan, to share the behind-the-scenes story of our farming operation, family, and the difficult seasons that shaped us both. We walk through what it was like to move from not knowing our financial reality, to being forced to confront it head-on during a season of expansion, debt, stress, and major family change — including pregnancy, young children, buyouts, and hard conversations with bankers, attorneys, and family members. Ellan vulnerably shares what it was like stepping into the books while pregnant, juggling an...
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E99 | Fear or Purpose: What Will Drive You in 2026?
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary As 2025 comes to a close, I walk through reframing how to approach the challenges and opportunities ahead of us in 2026. I walk through two scenarios — one driven by fear, overwhelm, and scarcity, and the other grounded in purpose, optimism, and intentional action — this episode challenges you to examine what actually motivates you to move forward. I dive into how fear can sometimes push us into action, but more often leads to paralysis, inaction, and burnout. I talk about why lasting progress comes not from running away from what we don’t want, but from clearly defining...
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E98 | Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Our Mistakes from 2025
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary As the year winds down and the holidays approach, I take a look back at 2025 — not to highlight wins, but to analyze the mistakes and learning opportunities that happened throughout the year. From communication breakdowns and rushed decisions to equipment issues, agronomic timing, and family-life lessons, this episode is an honest reflection on what went wrong, what it cost, and what can be learned. This episode isn’t about beating yourself up over mistakes. It’s about documenting lessons, slowing down, improving communication, and intentionally learning so you — and...
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E97 | Bridging the Gap Between Survival and Profit
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary In this week's Pioneer Mindset episode, I break down what I call the “profit gap” in farming — the space between being stuck in the trenches and reaching profitability I talk about why so many service providers in agriculture are built to help producers once they’re already profitable, while far fewer are designed to help farmers and ranchers who are still grinding to get there. From accountants and bankers to agronomists and marketing advisors, I dive into who helps at each stage — and why bridging that gap requires a mindset shift and a return to the basics of...
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E96 | A Lender’s Perspective for Farmers with Banker Bryce Havlovic
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary In this episode, Garrett sits down with agricultural lender Bryce from CharterWest Bank to give producers a clearer understanding of what lenders actually look for — and how you can set yourself up for a smoother, more successful loan renewal process. They break down the realities of farm financing, why equipment and land decisions can’t be based on “justifying” the numbers, and how being organized with your financials can save you real money through better rates and stronger lending relationships. Bryce shares his lender insights, including the biggest mistakes...
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E95 | Your End-of-Year Farm Business Checklist
Pioneer Mindset
Episode Summary As we enter the final month of 2025, I break down the essential business tasks every farmer and rancher should focus on to finish the year strong and set up 2026 with clarity—not chaos. I walks through the some core areas that make the biggest impact on your financial organization, stress levels, and decision-making as we close out the year. Whether you’re ahead, behind, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you get grounded, stay proactive, and avoid the December overwhelm that so many operations fall into. In this week’s episode I share some core areas to focus on...
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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 I share about the reality of “trying so hard”:
- We’re all trying hard — and that’s okay. Acknowledge the effort without letting it drain your joy.
- Faith in the plan. Even when the season feels heavy, God is still working through it.
- Shift your focus. Instead of just striving for personal goals, pursue God and serve others.
- Do hard things to build resilience. The more you take on hard things, the stronger you become for the next challenge.
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!
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