Legacy Farmer The Podcast

Aaron Wetzel farms ground in northern Illinois that his family has owned since 1878, running cattle, hogs, row crops, and Pioneer seed corn. After losing his grandfather and uncle and taking on thousands of new acres and a large hog facility in a short time, the bank sent them to special assets the week before Thanksgiving and told them to start selling land. He shares how eight straight weeks at the kitchen table rebuilt their balance sheet and cash flow, the old credit line they never knew they owed, and how they got operating money for the next crop year...

James Pieper grew up in the suburbs of Fargo, but he never lost the dream of farming his grandparents' Minnesota ground. With no machinery and only 360 acres, the credit analyst and skip-generation farmer shares how he saved through college, eased into equipment instead of buying it all at once, protected his working capital, and made it through the tough 2023 and 2024 seasons by staying off-farm and never getting overextended.

Starting or growing an operation takes more than grit. It takes knowing your numbers. If you want a clear plan for your farm's finances, call us at (785) 498-8184 today<...

Aaron Wilson started farming in 2012 while hauling hogs at night and sleeping in his truck. Since then he's built a wean-to-finish hog barn, a full grain system, a field tile business, and a turkey farm 100 miles away, growing to 2,300 acres with three kids at home. But after going through a restructure, he realized he'd never tracked cash flow, and that he was working his tail off for nothing on the row crop side. He shares what his numbers revealed, how small changes like buying LP in bulk can cut a $90,000 cost in half, why he's looking at taking his...

Luke Schultz has spent 25 years in ag lending while helping run his family's 5th-generation Kansas cattle ranch. Now with Conterra Ag Capital, he breaks down how input price shocks can make an operation unbankable fast, why cow-calf producers are in the driver's seat right now, and exactly what impresses a lender: a verified balance sheet, a borrowing base, budgets tracked against actuals, monthly income and expense records, and a 1–5 year plan.

Your lender is going to look at your numbers either way. If you want to walk in with a clear budget and a plan, call us at...

After a crop failure and the loss of his father on their 5th-generation Florida farm, Marshall and his family started the Mind Your Melon Foundation to get farmers talking about stress and mental health. He shares what their University of Florida research revealed about the biggest pressures in ag, why peer support and community matter before things reach a crisis, and how a budget and a succession plan can take real weight off your shoulders.

Stress doesn't have to be something you carry alone. If you want clarity on your numbers and a plan for what's next...

"Hope is not a grain marketing strategy." 8th-generation farmer Zoe breaks down navigating land buyouts, overcoming farm labor bottlenecks, and implementing structured grain marketing plans to keep her operation profitable in volatile markets.

Harvest isn't an excuse to ignore the business side of your operation. If you want to talk strategy and get total control over your numbers, call us at (785) 498-8184 today

Returning to a 130-year-old family operation comes with a heavy weight of history and a demand for real business growth. Tucker Brown, a 6th-generation rancher from Throckmorton, Texas, sits down to discuss expanding their registered Angus bull program, scaling a direct-to-consumer beef business through social media, and proactively shifting management practices ahead of the screwworm threat.

We dive deep into why historical high cattle prices demand strict risk management (LRP, puts, hedges) and how third-party facilitation helps families execute multi-generational succession without blowing up the ranch.

Harvest isn't an excuse to ignore the business side...

Rapid expansion, grain bin failures, and brutal weather can quickly push a family farm to the edge. JC shares his candid journey of operating 3,900 acres on gut instinct and annual shoe-box accounting, the toll it took on his family life, and how shifting to a month-to-month cash flow model completely turned his mindset around. We break down why cash flow statements beat annual balance sheets every time, how to manage lease debt, and how to negotiate better terms with bankers and input suppliers. Harvest isn't an excuse to ignore the business side of your operation. If you want to...

When summer pasture leases disappear overnight in the middle of a massive drought, young producers face a sink-or-swim moment. Trent and Kaylee Ramsey of Ramsey Cattle Co. join the show to share how they navigated a sudden loss of grazing land, built a 150-head cow-calf operation with zero college debt, and leveraged social media to diversify revenue. We dive into the harsh reality of Western land prices, why sweat equity must be accounted for in succession planning, and how young cattle producers can position their balance sheets to survive market volatility.

Harvest isn't an excuse to ignore...

When herd cull rates skyrocket and milk production plummets despite changing management, the root cause isn't always feed or genetics—sometimes, it's coming straight from the ground. In this episode, brothers Colton and Jace Den Hoed share their family's journey from Washington State to Wisconsin, dealing with stray voltage, unmanageable equipment costs, and millions in debt. We discuss how financial clarity, monthly pro formas, and smart equipment purchasing are helping them take aggressive control of their dairy operation's future.

Harvest isn't an excuse to ignore the business side of your operation. If you want to talk strategy an...

High debt loads, sky-high equipment prices, and shrinking margins are putting immense pressure on farmers and cattle producers across the country. In this episode, we sit down with Phil, Chief Lending Officer at Capital Farm Credit, to expose the hidden pitfalls in ag finance, why traditional equipment buying is chewing up balance sheets, and how top producers shift focus from short-term profit to building long-term equity.

Harvest isn't an excuse to ignore the business side of your operation. If you want to talk strategy and get total control over your numbers, call us at (785) 498-8184 today

Leaving a career to return to the family farm often comes with an overwhelming emotional burden. In this episode, Tork from Barn Talk joins us for a raw, honest conversation about how running a farm on emotion and incomplete numbers nearly destroyed his marriage, health, and peace of mind.

Tork opens up about the frustration of repeating multi-generational mistakes, the stress of nursing home costs eating away at family equity, and the weight of feeling obligated to save the farm for the next generation. He shares how shifting from "checkbook accounting" to mastering real operational metrics brought...

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 keeping iron costs low, their dairy herd was hit with a devastating 44% cull rate and calf losses exceeding 50%.

The culprit wasn't their work ethic; it was stray voltage—up to 7 volts of earth current pulsing thro...

"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 intermediate equipment debt is quietly chewing out the middle of the American farm balance sheet.

"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...

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 Tha...

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...

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...

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...

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 far...

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...

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 wh...

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...

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...

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 yo...

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...

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 t...

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 st...

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.

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...

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...

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 pres...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 a...

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...

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 yo...

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.

C...