Join your host, Jace D. Young, as he leads you through the truth about being a Modern Day Farmer, Rancher, Entrepreneur, Married Spouse, and Parent.
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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…
"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…
"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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
In this episode of Legacy From The Podcast, I'm diving into something personal and powerful—what it really means to awaken in life. I'm sharing my own journey of questioning everything I was taught growing up, challenging those beliefs, and waking up to my true purpose. If you've ever felt stuck, like you're just going through the motions, this one's for you. I'm talking about the courage it takes…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
On the farm there is usually a massive disconnect between leadership, and just telling people what to do. When you are telling people what to do you are just managing them, you aren't teaching, building them, or growing them, like you would if you were leading. Leadership means leading people to become better versions of themselves. It's important to lead your team members because they will come…
There are times in our lives where we do take risks, but on the flip side, we must understand when to hold fast and protect what we have. Seekers take on unmanaged risk and always swing for the fences. Which is fine as long as you are considering all the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order consequences that come with failure. Hiders are risk averse and avoid it at all costs. This is also fine as long as it's…
Right now, because of the economy, both people in the Ag industry and banks are getting apprehensive about taking out, and loaning out, money. Many people are trying to figure out how to recover from poor financial decisions they made back during the pandemic because borrowing money was easy. Greed drove both the banks and farmers to make poor decisions over the last few years. Our Farmer Metrics…
Everyone hates hearing the truth when it's something they don't want to hear. We hate feeling exposed and having our faults pointed out. This is especially true when talking about finances. We don't want to fail our business financially, and we especially don't want to fail our family financially. But, we live in a world of reality and ignoring the truth won't help us improve ourselves or fix our…
Sometimes it can feel like all your neighbors in the Ag industry are constantly growing and expanding their operations. It may look good from the outside but the majority of them do not know their numbers and are guessing with each decision they make. Even if you put together an annual cash flow projection, neither you nor your banker are looking at that again after you create it. In Legacy…
Zero percent financing is very enticing, it makes you think you'll save a ton of money, but it's injecting the opportunity to fail for the year. It lulls you into a false sense of security, feeling like the bank account is full and you don't need to be as careful with your spending. If you aren't religiously tracking your numbers you wouldn't even see the dangers coming until it is too late. It is…
When you have a son or daughter come back to the family operation, are you setting them up for success, or failure? Are you dropping them in the deep-end with oppressive amounts of debt and no knowledge of how the business works? Or are you giving them space to make small mistakes and learn what they need to know to be successful later down the road? Wanting to help your kids is a great thing, but…
So many of our members in the Ag industry share the same problems, no matter where they are in the country. One issue that arises most often is dealing with bankers. There are issues with farmers not knowing their numbers, but there are equal and opposite issues with bankers not fully understanding the Ag business. You have to be on top of your numbers so you can give your banker the information…
When you have a safe job, you get comfortable. This is stagnation, and you can use manufactured pressure to motivate and push yourself. The most successful people can generate the discomfort they need to stay motivated and get themselves moving. Once your business becomes stable you can unnecessarily and accidentally revert back to this mindset and make things harder than they need to be, this is…
Everyone wants to sit in the leadership position and reap all the benefits that come with it, but no one wants the price of making hard decisions that come with weight, backlash, and impact on others. These decisions also raise your awareness. You can now see the impact of not only your decisions but the impact of all the decisions of your team members. This awareness is most sensitive when their…
The number of hills you should be willing to die on in business shouldn't be that many. So many things we think we need to fight to the death for, just really aren't worth it. When we run up against a challenge, it's important to ask ourselves if it's a hill worth dying on, or if it wont even matter in a few hours, days, or weeks. Asking yourself this question also stops meaningless issues from…
When you go out on your own and start your own business you completely remove any safety net and you are completely responsible for yourself and your family. There are farmers in their 50's and 60's that are still expecting their fathers in their 80's and 90's to save them. If you are still looking for someone to save you, you need to recognize that all the power and growth is found when you…
It's common to hear farmers say that it's hard to find good help. The truth of the matter is that they don't have the correct incentives set up to draw in the right people. If you do have a solid team in place, it is important to ask them what incentives they want to help drive up their productivity and efficiency. Incentives completely depend on the person. Some people want money, some want…
