Pioneer Mindset

Episode Summary On this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I dive into the struggles and challenges with some of our equipment on the farm and how I tried to keep a positive mindset through the setbacks. In today's episode I share how I am tried to manage some challenges we went through on the farm last week: I share some valuable advice received from a friend, "Better the barn than the house." Despite challenges and stress in business, how do we still keep a positive mindset? I dive into the importance of trying to keep the perspective of what we still have to be grateful for in times of struggle. Resources & Links: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary This week on Pioneer Mindset, I am diving into managing the different key areas of our farm operations and being intentional on where we are managing our time, both in the field and the finances. In this week's episode I share some thoughts that came up as we were in the thick of spraying this year's crop: I share an experience where I wasn't as intentional in the field and the consequences that came from poor management. While focusing on the day to day operation is important, it's just as important to take the time to apply that same mindset of management to our finances as well. A mindset shift towards intention and awareness in management of all aspects of the operation is crucial to long term success. Resources: Wondering how I can support you and provide guidance for better management? Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary This week I shift my focus back to the mindset challenges that farmers face, especially during the busy season.I reflect on some personal challenges I've recently faced through trying new farming practices and dive into the mental stories that often come with working in the field and the difficulties in managing these thoughts. A few key take aways in this episode when handling challenges and ego that comes with trying new things on the farm: Mindset Management: Being aware and understanding how to navigate the mindsets that come from new challenges. Ego and Humility: Recognizing the role of ego in decision-making and the necessity of being open to failure and learning from it. I dive into how our ego can both drive innovation and lead to humbling experiences. Focusing on the Facts: The importance of grounding ourselves in factual information to prevent our thoughts from spiraling out of control, especially when facing unexpected setbacks. Resources & Links: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Today, I continue the discussion from the last episode on making informed financial decisions. I share my experience with a software program that has transformed our operation's financial management over the past three years. In this episode I share all the benefits of this financial tool: I share how this tool can help you stay on top of your numbers and make proactive decisions for your farming operation. I dive into the balance sheet and cash flow portions of the software and how they relate to decision making. Not only will this tool help you stay on top of your numbers, it provides clarity and confidence when making decisions to move your operation forward in the right direction. Resources: If you want to learn more about Farmer Metrics, check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! If you want to chat more about the software reach out on social media or send me an email at [email protected]. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary This week I discuss how to make informed decisions in our farming operations.I share my most recent experience with this year's alfalfa crop and how a change in price affected our breakeven projections.This episode is not just about alfalfa but it's about focusing on the principles of strategic decision-making that can apply to any crop or livestock operation. In this episode I share our recent experience with a change in alfalfa prices and how I made a decisions based on that change: In moments of unexpected change it's easy to get caught up in the emotions and let that drive our decision making but I share how it's important to get back to the numbers to help you make an informed decision. Taking the time to know and understand your numbers and your financial position really helps kill the scarcity that change brings. Change is inevitable in farming but having a clear understanding of your finances helps take the feelings of scarcity and emotion out of decision making. Resources & Links: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Welcome back to another episode of Pioneer Mindset! It's easy to get caught up, stressed, and lose sight of the joy in our daily tasks, especially in agriculture. Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity to haul corn, drive truck, and bail hay—tasks I genuinely enjoy.Shift my mindset to focus on the things that I enjoy each day has been a game changer for me.Today I am sharing about a concept that can help anyone struggling with finding balance and alignment in their life. In this episode I break down the concept of CORE 4 and how I can help you find alignment in your life: What is CORE 4? Body, Being, Balance and Business I share what each part of CORE 4 is and how they are all connected to one another. By being aware of each area and how they are connected can help you focus on what you can control while trying to navigate difficult challenges or stressful seasons. Resources: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In today's episode, I talk focus on mindset during the busy season, talking about the stories we tell ourselves and the comparisons we often make with others. I dive into some of the mental challenges we all face during the busy farming seasons and share some strategies I use to help keep a positive mindset and effectively manage a busy workload. In this episode we share my thoughts on busy season mindsets: I talk about the impact that the comparison game during busy seasons can have on your mental state. I share how sticking to prioritizing tasks can help with staying efficient during busy seasons. I talk about the importance of shifting gears and recognizing when it's time to detach from work. Resources: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In today's episode I talk about some of the challenges when it comes to work and family balance during the busy seasons.Everyone's situation and life is different but being aware and shifting your mindset could have a huge impact on how you balance your work/life balance. In this episode I share how shifting my mindset has helped me work through the challenges of balancing work and family life: I share a metaphor that has really helped me shift my mindset to work through balancing work and family especially during the busy seasons. How being aware and understanding of this balance and what I can do to help correct things when it gets off balance. I also talk about balance vs alignment and how this applies to your life by understanding the goals for your business and family. Resources: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Today I dive into the principles of extreme ownership discussed in one of my favorite books, "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.In this book they share their experiences in the military and how they can be applied to life and business.I am excited to share my takeaways from this book and how I have applied them to my own life. In this episode I share the principles of extreme ownership and how they can be applied to business: I dive into the four laws of combat discussed in the book and what they are. I also share how taking extreme ownership of my actions has shaped my mindset in life and how it has affected how I approach challenges in our operation. Resources: Check out my free training inside Pioneer Farmer, click here! To check out the book "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Today I take a look at farm income trends over the years, what "returning to normal" could look like and how farmers can navigate the financial ebbs and flows from the markets. I discuss how knowing our enterprise breakevens has impacted our operation and marketing decisions.I share how farmers can still make informed decisions that are beneficial to their operation even through the uncertainty of the markets. In this episode I break down some of the trends of farm income and how that can impact our operations: I dive into the different trends of farm income over the years and their impact. I discuss the importance of knowing your enterprise breakevens and their impact on marketing. I talk about value of having a marketing plan and an advisor to help make marketing decisions. Resources & Links: Check out my free training, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary This week I dive into the importance of focusing on providing value to others not only in business but also in our personal life as well.By shifting our mindset to value over money, it can have a great impact on others and ourselves in return. In this episode we share the mindset shift of providing value instead of just chasing the dollar: I share how beneficial it can be by being intentional about daily actions and evaluating whether they contribute to providing value to others. I highlight the importance of investing time and effort in relationships with friends, family, and children, that will pay off in long-term benefits for everyone. I encourage you to reflect on your own actions and intentions at the end of they day and how they aim to provide value in your business and relationships. Resources: Check out my free training, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Welcome back to another episode of Pioneer Mindset where I dive into what your identity means. In this episode I share what our identity means: I thought that my identity was always what I did such as being a farmer or cattleman. Through having that mindset, I felt like that identity couldn't change. However through our different struggles on the farm, I began to open myself up to change and what that meant for my identity as a farmer or cattleman. Through this conversation I challenge you to think about the lens that you are looking at your identity through and how shifting your mindset could have a positive impact on your life. Resources: Check out my free training, click here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Thank you so much to everyone who has tuned into Pioneer Mindset and supported this podcast! I hope that you find value each week that resonates with you or your operation. This week I have a special episode, introducing the new business I am bringing to you, Pioneer Farmer! Tune in to find out more about shifting your mindset to drive your operation in the right direction! To Get The Free Training, Click Here! Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode, I wrap up the series of the six skill sets that will pay you for life. Together we've covered speaking, seduction, teaching, and training. Now, let's dive into coaching and consulting. In this final episode of the 6 skillsets for life series, I talk about coaching and consulting: I talk about the essential elements of coaching, including building trust, encouraging self-discovery, and providing support and guidance. Through real-world examples, I highlight the role consultants provide such as valuable advice, leveraging their expertise, and driving tangible results. I share the importance of mastering each skill set over time and adapting them to different areas of life, be it business, parenting, or personal growth Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Continuing in the series of valuable life skillsets, I talk about how the value of teaching and training.As we get further into this series, I share how each of these skillsets are very beneficial and the importance of how they all connect together, bringing value back to your business, operation or even personal life. In this episode I talk about the value of teaching and training and some of the key takeaways from some of my own experiences: Effective communication is key in the foundation for teaching and training. Learning to have patience and the acknowledging that learning takes time can make the process go more smoothly. Having detailed systems and processes provides consistency and clear communication to the teaching and training process. Taking the time to reflect on all that you have learned from your own experiences could be very beneficial to teaching and training others. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary This week we are continuing on in the series of valuable life skillsets and moving on to seduction which is in the context of persuasion and influence in different situations. In this episode I share what the skillset of seduction in different life situations can look like: There are so many different areas of life from business to personal where these skillsets can be beneficial. I highlight some key situations where we can focus on interests over positions, allowing the conversation to be more constructive, effective and end in win-win outcomes. When having conversations, understanding each other's interests can have a more positive outcome for you and the person you are trying to negotiate with. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In today's episode, I dive into a new series on some of life's valuable skillsets and I am kicking it off with the first one, which is the value of speaking.Speaking is something I was never really taught or took the time to understand the value of.Through time and experience, I began to understand the value and impact of speaking in both my personal life and business. In this episode I talk about the valuable life skill of speaking and how it has impacted me: Speaking is something that has always been uncomfortable for me and not something I was taught. Through practice, awareness and stepping out of my comfort zone, I have grown in how I speak in both my personal life and in business. Speaking is truly a life skill that can have big impacts in your personal relationships and business relationships. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode I talk about the mindset shift that I had when I took more of a management role in our operation.The previous generation of the farm was always conditioned that if you worked hard day to day, it will pay off.Unfortunately, today that's not the case when it comes to operating and sustaining a business. In this episode I share my mindset shift from working ON our business to IN our business: Many farmers, ranchers and ag business owners are conditioned to work, work, work, but does that really pay off in the long run like how it did for the generation before us? Through having the mindset of always working on the business, working in the business was met with a lot of resistance. Through the mindset shift of trying to work harder in the business, I realized the importance of creating processes, organizing our financials and setting goals for the future. By taking the time to plan, strategize and analyze, you set yourself up for the future in a more constructive way than just working hard and hoping it pays off. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode I dive back into another big issue in the ag industry: operating in uncertainty and how that makes you feel powerless in your operation with your banker. Building on the previous episode about leveraging family legacies just to stay in business, I address the dynamics of relationships with bankers and the challenges of not having clarity on your financial position. When you enter your banker's office, how do you feel? For many, it's a mix of discomfort, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode I share my experiences with the bank and how I took back the power in our operation: Gaining clarity of our financial position gave me back my confidence and the power in our operation. With clarity in your numbers you now have the power back in the conversations with your banker. When you gain back confidence, it bleedings over in to all areas of your life. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary Welcome back to Pioneer Mindset. In today's episode, we're diving back into a critical issue faced by many farmers, ranchers, and ag business owners. We'll be focusing on the challenges surrounding high leverage and its impact on not just businesses but also the legacies tied to them. In this episode I share how our own operation has been impacted by leveraging our legacy and some of the things I've learned from those experiences: We expanded our cow/calf operation and I share some of the growing losses that came with that. I share how we don't always understand the weight or impact of highly leveraging our operation has. I dive into the importance of knowing our numbers and the power it gives when it comes to leveraging. You are not alone in facing these challenges.Finding a network or group of others who have experienced similar challenges can bring valuable insights to your own operation to help you work through obstacles. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this week's episode, I walk through how I deal with some of the negative stories in my head.I share some of the tools that I use to change those stories to empowering feelings in order to take action to move forward. In this episode I share: How I deal with some of the stories in my head. What are the facts vs what I'm afraid of. The tools I use to change those stories in order to take action. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In today's episode I share about how I was in the endless cycle of barely surviving and hoping for a magical solution.Our operation was struggling financially and it was hard to see a way out, making me question why we were even doing this. In this episode I share how I took ownership within that endless cycle of barely surviving: Stopping the karmic loop of stories in our heads. Acknowledging what I have been through in the past and how it can help me through my current struggles. The importance of asking for help. Taking ownership of what you are currently facing and pushing yourself to create a better future from it. Others deal with many of the same issues we face and we aren't alone in our struggles. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In today's episode, I address how the disorganization within our operation created a lot of chaos.Through the lack of organization, we struggled to keep the books up to date and it was always a challenge getting financials for the bank put together.Having this state of constant chaos lead to a lot of stress and pressure, but once I took the time to create some organization, it allowed me to take back control of our operation. In this episode I dive into how disorganization created a lot of chaos in our operation: How the disorganization lead to stress and pressuring to accurately put our numbers together. How a chaotic state of mind causes us to become stagnant with the inability to move forward. How all the stress and weight of the pressure has negative effects on our body, being, balance and business. Taking ownership of the chaos created by disorganization can give you the ability to move forward and make changes. The importance of taking the time to create organization through with systems and processes. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In the very first episode of Pioneer Mindset, I share my background in farming and agriculture.I dive into my journey through some of the struggles I've faced in agriculture and how that has lead me to more of a pioneer mindset, giving me a more forward thinking approach. In this episode I share my journey to a pioneer mindset: I share my background in farming and agriculture. I dive into my journey through some of the struggles I've faced in agriculture. How these challenges in farming have lead me to adapt more of a pioneer mindset. The powerful impact that having a forward thinking mindset has had on me personally and our operation. Connect with Garrett: Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Welcome to Pioneer Mindset! A podcast for rural ag business owners who want to challenge their mindset and address the discomfort in their business and personal lives by finding clarity resulting in bold conviction. Your host, Garrett Ruskamp, is a 5th generation farmer, husband and father from rural Nebraska.In the last 10 years of farming, he has experienced many challenges that business owners face on a day to day basis that stem from disorganization and being financially unaware. He understands the weight of uncertainty that comes from operating in a state of mind triggered by these struggles. Join Garrett as he shares his journey of the struggles he's faced in agriculture as a farmer and family man. He will dive into honest conversations to tackle the mindsets surrounding these issues, that will ultimately help you gain control leading to a profitable and sustainable business. Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! For more conviction through clarity, follow Garrett Ruskamp on Instagram (@garrettruskamp) or Facebook (Garrett Ruskamp).