Legacy Farmer The Podcast

"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 an alfalfa producer facing the brutal reality of high-altitude farming and a banking system that doesn't understand the dirt. Stop hoping for a better year. Start building a better business. ********************************* 🎙️Want FREE High Level Strategy For Your Operation? Apply for Legacy Farmer Live, our new series where farmers across North America can call in & get free advice from our Director of Coaching, Lance Weaver, for their operations. Secure your spot today → https://share.hsforms.com/2jyvetB3VRtePB08Pc8N6Twpxxq6?comet_source=YT&comet_custom=LFL-Bank-Dropped-Farm

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 devaluing your assets, like a multi-million dollar Dairy Barn. Ready to take control of your farm's financial future? Let's make it happen. FREE Proven System Training That Has Helped 400+ Family Farms Eliminate Stress, Increase Profitability, Decrease Debt, And... Protect Their Family's Financial Future! → https://start.legacyfarmer.com/proven-system-1?comet_source=POD&comet_custom=Ava-Podcast Join our Free Legacy Farmer Facebook Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/legacyfarmerboardroom?comet_source=POD&comet_custom=Ava-Podcast

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 — and why waiting for the bank to "bless" your operation could be the biggest mistake you make. Whether you're stuck, scaling, or starting over, this conversation is a must-watch if you're serious about protecting your farm, your family, and your future. Ready to take control of your farm's financial future? Let's make it happen. FREE Proven System Training That Has Helped 300+ Family Farms Eliminate Stress, Increase Profitability, Decrease Debt, And... Protect Their Family's Financial Future! → https://start.legacyfarmer.com/proven-system-1?comet_source=YT&comet_custom=Jen-pod

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 here for a raw and honest story — this one's for you. Ready to take control of your farm's financial future? Let's make it happen. FREE Proven System Training That Has Helped 300+ Family Farms Eliminate Stress, Increase Profitability, Decrease Debt, And... Protect Their Family's Financial Future! → https://start.legacyfarmer.com/proven-system-1?comet_source=pod&comet_custom=BarnTalk2

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 make it happen. FREE Proven System Training That Has Helped 300+ Family Farms Eliminate Stress, Increase Profitability, Decrease Debt, And... Protect Their Family's Financial Future! → https://start.legacyfarmer.com/proven-system-1?comet_source=Pod&comet_custom=Katie-Podcast

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 truth every farm family needs to hear—before they lose control of their finances, their land, and their legacy. Protect your farm today with our FREE training --> https://start.legacyfarmer.com/proven-system-1?comet_source=Pod&comet_custom=Former-Ag-Banker

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 learned from my granddad's mistakes, and how I hit rock bottom before finally realizing it's on me to change. At Legacy Farmer, we're not here to save anyone. We're here to lead those ready to transform their business and their life. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Let's get into it. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://www.legacyfarmer.com/?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=No-One-Is-Coming-to-Save-You&comet_source=Pod

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 through the pain of learning what we don't want. God uses those tough moments to shape us, teach us, and prepare us for what's next. Whether you're walking through your own valley of challenges or just need a reminder that it's all part of the process, this episode is for you. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://www.legacyfarmer.com/?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=How-to-get-what-you-want&comet_source=Pod

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 learned about breaking free from the cycle of sedation. If you're feeling the heaviness of the season or worried about slipping into unhealthy habits, this episode is for you. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://www.legacyfarmer.com/?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Sedating-The-Holidays&

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 a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://www.legacyfarmer.com/?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Wake-Up-Call&

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 choosing to respond thoughtfully, we can make better decisions that align with our goals and values. Join me as I share personal stories and practical ways to shift from reaction to response in your everyday life. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=God-Does-Not-React-He-Responds

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 ready to grow—needs to hear. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Bad-Decisions-vs-Good-Decisions

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 others—then this topic may resonate with you. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Finding-Gifts-Life-Challenges

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 struggles Rachel and I faced, and the importance of forgiveness in making it through those hard times. If you're trying to juggle the chaos of running a farm, raising kids, and keeping your marriage strong, this one's for you. I'll talk about my own mistakes, how easy it is to compete with your spouse when things get tough, and why learning to forgive—both yourself and your partner—is key to not just surviving, but thriving together. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Save-Your-Marriage

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 brought meaningful change in my life. Join me as we explore how to recognize when the ego is in control and how to trust in God's plan amidst uncertainty. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Following-Ego-Or-God

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 rebuilt my life. If you're feeling trapped by guilt, I hope this episode shows you there's always a way to rise above it. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Overcoming-Guilt-Shame

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 changes not only in our lives but in the lives of those we love. If you've been feeling like you're meant for more but haven't taken that leap yet, this episode is for you. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=God-Created-You-To-Create

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 mistakes I made along the way by focusing on immediate results. Ultimately, there's only one game that matters—God's long game. If you're feeling the pressure to make things happen quickly, this episode will help you see the bigger picture and trust the process. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Gods-Long-Game

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 bring a sense of clarity and calm. If you're looking for a way to reduce stress and find more purpose, this episode is for you. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Rewards-of-God

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 choices, my path, my purpose. It felt like everything was crumbling around me. But it was in that dark moment that the idea for Legacy Farmer was born. In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how that painful experience sparked something transformative and led to the creation of Legacy Farmer. We'll talk about how life's challenges can sometimes be exactly what you need to find your true path. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one. Click to listen now! If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Gods-Leadership

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. Tune in to hear about the shift from victim to victor, and how to roll with the punches that come with being in charge of your own success. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://legacyfarmer.com/apply?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Problems-We-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 to rewrite your story and transform your life. Tune in to discover how changing your internal dialogue can lead to real, lasting results. If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at https://meetings.hubspot.com/legacyfarmer/discovery-call?utm-source=Pod&utm-medium=Organic&utm-content=Stories-drive-reality

In our latest podcast episode, I share a personal story about my family's experience when our farm operation went under almost 20 years ago. Financial instability shook my grandad's $10 million operation, and in the blink of an eye, everything he worked his entire life to build was gone. This tragedy is all too common, with many farms facing a similar fate every year. We explore the emotional stages, starting with denial, where my grandad lived in denial about the impending collapse, protecting his ego rather than facing the hard truth. The reality hit when the bank cut him off, and the impact on my dad is something I'll never forget. Tune in to hear about the challenges and emotional toll when a family farm goes under.

When Is Enough, Enough? Owning up to our actions, understanding the results we've created, and deciding where we want to go next can be incredibly challenging. This struggle is evident in many areas of life, including our body and fitness. Most people aren't satisfied with how they look and often postpone necessary changes, returning to their comfort zones. This pattern isn't unique to fitness—it's a common theme in various aspects of life. Reaching a breaking point or hitting rock bottom can be the catalyst for new action. So, where are you in your journey? Chances are, deep down, you know there are changes you need to make. You probably also understand the direction your current path will lead if you don't take action. In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the question: When is enough, enough? And when is it time to make a change? If you're ready to make a change and need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Book a call with our team to discuss how we can support you at www.legacyfarmer.com.

Whenever someone starts a business, and assumes all the risk, the very first thing they focus on acquiring is money. You can't be drowning and build an impactful business at the same time. The whole process is hard and unrelenting. Each new phase the business enters as it grows has its own set of challenges for the owner. If you are doing $1 million in revenue right now, you are not the same person you have to be to do $10 million. Eventually once the business becomes more stable you begin to see money as a tool. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

We all have different perceptions around things in our lives, at different points in our lives. You think different things about your parents as a teenager than you do when you are a parent yourself. The key to perception is challenging it. Is what you are seeing the truth, or, is your brain telling you a story, and influencing what you are seeing? Don't let false stories stop you from confronting the truth at the root of a situation. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

The ego misleads, the numbers don't. Once you know your starting point and the decisions that got you there, you can start to build your way out. Only getting out of your comfort zone and making hard decisions will get you back to stability. The ego is what blocks the reality of the truth of knowing your numbers. Are you running your operation based off your ego or off the facts? Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

Many of the older generation of farmers are set in their ways and reluctant to change. The members of the younger generation have to be willing to adapt and change with the world around them if they want their operation to survive. Once you have gotten an operation up and running and, most importantly, stable, you figure out your own way of doing things that works best for you. This makes the process personal and leads to the reluctance to give it up or embrace change when needed. Doing things our own way has a shelf life and won't last forever. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

This time of year can be extremely scary and stressful for people in the Ag Industry. It's a time with high bills and low income, which can cause people to panic and start to tell themselves stories that they aren't financially stable, when they really are. Knowing your numbers is the best way to alleviate all of that stress and worry. Without knowing your numbers, the stories will control you for the majority of the year. If you are listening to those stories, and living in scarcity, it is affecting all other aspects of your life, not just business. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

The farming and ranching industry has a very high suicide rate, and it's only gotten worse over the last decade or so. Many times we think that if we just had money it would solve our problems. What we don't realize is that the problems run far deeper than that and once the surface-level problem of money is gone, all we are left with is the deep, festering, real issues below it. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

All business owners go through pits and peaks when starting and growing a business. It's very important to be able to recognize when you are in a bit and to not let yourself get stuck there. Our lives can be broken up into the 4 categories of body, being, balance, and business. Many times when the business is struggling it is one, or multiple, of the other categories pulling it down. Focusing on those other areas first can solve a lot of your problems without even touching the business. Taking action is key. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

We all get into what we are doing to build something better for the next generation. We all have a vision on how we get to that point, and if things don't go exactly as planned, we can start to feel like a failure. Sometimes, we also have to reevaluate the path we are taking to make sure it's the most sustainable. Holding the goal of handing down a legacy is the most important, but you have to be flexible on how you get there. You also might have to be flexible on how exactly you hand down the legacy. What you have in mind might not be the best solution. If you know there are problems in the business, just take actions and get them fixed. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org

A lot of people like to tell themselves that once they fix their financial problems, everything will come together in their life. The issue is, once you fix the financial problems, all you are left with is the real problems. When it comes to solving financial problems, for some people it's quick, for others, it can take years. When you are trying to build something great with your life, it will come at the expense of those you hold closest. Be it your time, or energy spent with those people. It is a heavy price to pay. You are constantly sacrificing time WITH the people you love most, FOR the people you love most, even though it can feel wrong in the moment. As a father and husband, this will weigh on you. You should recognize the pain on both sides and understand what your family is going through as well. Check out the Impact Legacy Farmer is having on the American Farmer here: www.legacyfarmer.org