Your Ag Empire

Tyler Dickerhoof grew up on an Ohio dairy farm and spent 25 years building a massive business career. He also spent most of that time operating like a bulldozer. When things got hard, he simply put his head down and pushed. That works in the dirt, but it destroys relationships. In this episode, Tyler sits down with “Your Ag Empire” podcast host Jonathon Haralson to talk about the things leaders bury. They cover the emotional toll of agriculture, why farmers isolate themselves, and what it actually takes to pass the family operation to the next generation without burning it to the ground.In this episode, we cover:When things get tough, the default reaction in agriculture is to put your head down and push harder. That brute force might get the daily job done, but it isolates you and wrecks the relationships you need to survive.Elite military units do not look for the guy who can do everything alone. They look for the guy who links arms with the person next to him. Farming is no different. You have to drop the pride and ask for help.The older generation holds onto the checkbook and the daily decisions because they do not know who they are without the farm. Passing the baton only works when the exiting leader has a real, productive role to step into.The previous generation plowed with horses. You drive a tractor. The next generation might use robotics or artificial intelligence to run the dairy. Adapting to the market and using new tools is exactly how the operation stays alive.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Tyler Dickerhoof:Website: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetylerdickerhoofshowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdickerhoof/Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

There is a farmer right now running on ibuprofen and sheer willpower. He has not seen a doctor because the nearest clinic is an hour away, and harvest does not stop. Farley Schweighart built a business for that exact person. After hitting the wall in a traditional physical therapy clinic, she walked away to start Rural Medex. It is a mobile, cash-pay practice that meets farmers, ranchers, and rodeo athletes where they work. She treats patients on tailgates, in farm shops, and beside horse trailers. In this episode, we talk about why folks in agriculture ignore their health, the reality of building a non-traditional business, and why true champions master the basics.In this episode, we cover:Masking an injury with medication does not fix the root cause. It just guarantees a bigger problem down the line. Listen to what your body is telling you before it forces you to stop.Agricultural and performance professionals will spend thousands on veterinary bills while ignoring their own broken bodies. You cannot operate at a high level if your own mechanics are falling apart.Asking a farmer to lose four hours of a workday to sit in a beige waiting room is a losing battle. Schweighart stripped away the insurance red tape and built a transparent practice that respects her patients' time.Whether you are running a business, competing in the arena, or rehabbing a shoulder, success is rarely flashy. It comes down to doing the simple, unsexy work day after day.Burnout happens when you try to change a massive, broken system. You find momentum when you stop trying to save the whole industry and start doing good work right where you stand.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Guest Farley SchweighartWebsite: https://www.ruralmedex.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralmedexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farley-schweighart-a57a1318a/Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Brett Hicks spent 11 years building what looked like success from the outside: a poultry operation, a thriving real estate business serving poultry growers, and an active role in ministry. Then he walked away from all of it. Not because it failed, but because something else was calling. In this conversation, Brett talks about what it took to close one door before the next one opened, the lessons learned from growing up on a farm when your father worked offshore for 30 days at a time, and what he's discovered about faith, decision making, and the willingness to move forward without a safety net. This is a conversation about what happens when you burn the ships and step into the unknown.In this episode, we cover:The cows have to get fed, no matter what. Growing up in agriculture teaches a level of responsibility and compartmentalization that most people never develop. The work has to get done whether you feel like it or not, and that discipline carries into every area of life.You can't expect the next door to open until you close the one behind you. Moses stepped into the Red Sea before the water parted. Faith isn't waiting for God to move while you stay comfortable. It's taking the step forward and trusting He'll meet you there.Your mind will quit before your body does. Most people never find out what they're capable of because they let their limitations live in their head. The willingness to push past discomfort, to do hard things, is what separates those who grow from those who stay stagnant.If you're not growing, you're dying. In farming and in life, standing still means falling behind. The question isn't whether you'll face challenges. It's whether you'll keep moving forward through them.You're living on house money. At the end of the day, the size of your operation, the success of your business, the legacy you leave on paper doesn't matter in the grand scheme. What matters is what you did with the time you were given and whether you were willing to use it for something bigger than yourself.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Brett Hicks:Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-hicks-56609b11b/Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Terren Moore's journey from accidentally signing up for an FFA class to building a successful insurance agency specializing in farm and ranch coverage proves that sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected decisions. What started as an easy elective to graduate turned into a life-changing path through agriculture. Moore went from growing vegetables in his grandmother's backyard as a teenager to starting his own insurance agency in a town where he knew no one, using the same relationship-building and work ethic principles farming had taught him.In this episode, we cover:Moore credits his success to older farmers who invested time in teaching him basics like operating equipment and planting techniques. Without experienced mentors believing in him and sharing their knowledge, his farming operation never would have gotten off the ground.The relationship-building, work ethic, and long-term thinking required in farming directly translated to Moore's insurance career. Understanding what's actually at stake for producers (crops, equipment, livelihoods) gives him a significant advantage in serving agricultural clients compared to agents without farming experience.Moore emphasizes that business owners must develop leadership skills and build teams rather than trying to do everything themselves. He invested in coaching and focused on creating systems that could scale beyond his personal capacity.As a business owner with employees depending on him, Moore stresses the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health through exercise, reading, and faith practices so he can better serve his team and clients.Moore's choice to take an agricultural elective as a teenager created a ripple effect that shaped his entire career path, demonstrating how pivotal moments often come from unexpected places.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Terren Moore:Website: https://www.mfi-services.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terren-moore-48178314b/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moorefarmsandinsuranceConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, host Jonathon Haralson sits down in Auckland, New Zealand, with Pete Debus, Director of PrincipleFocus based in New South Wales, Australia. Despite being an ocean away, Debus reveals Australian producers are facing the same volatility, succession struggles, and margin compression as their American counterparts. He shares his philosophy on moving from "rearview mirror" accounting to forward-looking navigation, the necessity of treating the farm like a high-value corporate entity, and why "having a crack" (taking risks) is essential for survival. In this episode, we cover:Most accountants just tell you what happened in the past (the rearview mirror). To thrive in modern agriculture, you need financial partners who act as navigators, helping you forecast, budget, and look through the windshield to change the numbers going forward.With land values skyrocketing in both Australia and the U.S., the "holy grail" for a professional farm business should be a 5% return on assets (EBIT). Achieving this requires moving beyond basic production and implementing rigorous business management standards.A farmer has two primary jobs: to build a viable, thriving business, and to successfully hand it over. If the patriarch hasn't stepped out of the way by age 70 to let the next generation drive, they likely never will—turning a succession plan into merely an estate plan.If high-quality talent walks past your gate, hire them immediately, even if you don't think you can afford it. Great people pay for themselves by bringing new energy and ideas that allow the owner to stop working in the business and start working on it.To facilitate fair succession without burdening the farm with debt, families need to start investing in off-farm assets early. Building wealth outside the operation provides a "wash" that allows non-farming siblings to be compensated while the farm stays intact.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Episode Sponsor FiguredWebsite: https://www.figured.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/figuredappConnect with Guest Pete DebusWebsite: https://principlefocus.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-debus-7bb92b15/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrincipleFocus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principlefocus/Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Fresh from the Empire Ag Elite Retreat in San Antonio, this episode features Jacob Little of Crop & Range Insurance delivering a masterclass on navigating the current landscape of government programs and risk management. Jacob cuts through the "alphabet soup" of the Farm Bill, offering a straight-shooting look at how changes to payment limits and entity structures can directly impact your bottom line. He also challenges producers to rethink their relationships with service providers, warning that blind loyalty in a tight margin environment is a luxury you cannot afford.In this episode, we cover:Recent changes mean members of LLCs and C-Corps now receive their own payment IDs. With the limit bumped to $155,000 per program, operations that previously capped out need to review their structure to ensure they aren't leaving valid dollars on the table.The link between crop insurance and FSA elections has been severed. If a decision makes financial sense for insurance, do it. If a different decision pencils out for FSA, do that. Treat them as separate business moves.If you run cattle and don't have a relationship with the FSA, get one. Programs like LFP (drought) often trigger eligibility for ELAP (transportation/feed assistance), but you have to be in the system to collect.Being "married to a memory" puts you at a competitive disadvantage. Whether it is a seed dealer or an insurance agent, ensure your partners are actively earning your business every year. If they aren't bringing new ideas to the table, open-mindedness toward a competitor might save the farm.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Jacob LittleWebsite: https://cropandrange.com/Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087121105405)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@cropandrange)Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In a surprise solo appearance, Empire Ag CFO Holly Haralson takes the mic for a candid Valentine’s Day conversation that has nothing to do with flowers or chocolates. Holly digs into the complicated relationship between producers and their operations, exploring how deep love for the land can sometimes blind us to the hard decisions necessary to save it. From navigating bankruptcy to facing tough succession talks, Holly challenges listeners to redefine what "loving well" looks like in agriculture—moving from destructive loyalty to wise, strategic action.In this episode, we cover:True love for an operation isn't just about holding on at all costs. Sometimes, the most loving thing a producer can do is file for Chapter 12 bankruptcy, diversify revenue streams, or have the difficult succession conversation to protect the family’s future.When a producer’s entire identity is wrapped up in the farm, financial struggles feel like personal failures. Holly emphasizes that you are not the land, and separating your self-worth from the operation is critical for making clear-headed business decisions.There is a difference between "pride dressed up as loyalty" and building a sustainable legacy. Loving well means recognizing when old patterns are destroying the family dynamic and choosing to pivot, even if it feels like a betrayal of tradition.Building an empire requires protecting the marriage amidst the stress. Holly shares how she and Jonathon balance their different strengths—his visionary agricultural roots and her systems-thinking healthcare background—to ensure the business doesn't consume their relationship.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

The agricultural economy is tightening, and the strain is revealing cracks in even the most established operations. In this candid, unscripted solo episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, Jonathon Haralson addresses the heavy realities facing producers right now—from Chapter 12 bankruptcies to the mental toll of financial instability. Haralson talks about the work Empire Ag is doing behind the scenes, sharing stories of clients navigating identity crises and others finding new revenue streams in a down market.The conversation shifts to the broader economic landscape for 2026, analyzing the potential for severe inflation, land value corrections, and the dangers of the "yield trap" in row crops. Haralson challenges producers to stop relying on hope or government payments that won't cover losses. Instead, he advocates for a ruthless focus on profitability, diversification into livestock, and the grit required to make hard decisions before the bank makes them for you.In this episode, we cover:Financial failure often triggers an identity crisis for producers, but a Chapter 12 filing can be a strategic tool to restructure and survive. Empathy is essential, as many neighbors are struggling with factors outside their control, such as elevator insolvencies or sudden market shifts.Chasing record bushels is a losing strategy when input costs outweigh returns. Producers must focus on net profit per acre, even if it means reducing inputs and accepting lower yields to protect working capital.While the "land never goes down" mantra is popular, historical precedents like the 1980s and recent corrections in California suggest otherwise. High interest rates and a potential dollar devaluation could lead to significant repricing in farmland.Relying solely on row crops is increasingly risky. Adding a livestock component or other cash-flowing assets can provide the liquidity needed to weather downturns in the grain markets.The disconnect between the older generation holding onto control and the younger generation needing equity is a systemic threat. Families must have difficult conversations now to avoid fighting over assets later, ensuring the operation survives the transition.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

The financial landscape of agriculture is shifting, and for many producers, the bank is no longer a silent partner but a source of intense pressure. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, host Jonathon Haralson sits down with Jordan Morris to discuss the reality of refinancing in a volatile market and the mental toll of banking relationships gone wrong. Morris shares his recent experience of transitioning to a new lender after his previous bank unexpectedly froze his capital, highlighting a growing trend where institutions cheer on expansion one month and demand foreclosure the next.This conversation moves beyond the balance sheet to address the operational pivots necessary for survival in 2026. From the ruthless depreciation of machinery to the decision to switch from annual to monthly payments, Haralson and Morris dissect the practical moves producers must make to preserve cash flow. They also tackle the uncomfortable truths about the industry’s "yield trap," urging farmers to prioritize net profit over bragging rights at the coffee shop.In this episode, we cover:Many financial institutions are tightening their grip, pushing producers into restructuring or foreclosure even after encouraging prior expansion. Finding a partner who understands the current ag economy is critical for survival.Shifting from annual to monthly payments on land and equipment can dramatically improve liquidity and reduce interest loads, preventing the "cash poor" trap that kills operations.The days of easy trades and high trade-in values are over. With depreciation accelerating and repair costs skyrocketing, holding onto older, lower-hour machinery often makes more sense than chasing the newest paint.The "yield trap" is a dangerous game when commodity prices are low. Producers should focus on reducing input costs—like cutting nitrogen rates or seeding populations—to maximize net dollars per acre rather than chasing record yields.The stress of financial pressure can lead to isolation and depression. Building a network of peers who can offer a fresh perspective—or just listen at 3 a.m.—is essential for mental and operational resilience.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Jordan Morris:Follow on Instagram: @overdrawnjmorris (https://www.instagram.com/overdrawnjmorris/)Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Agriculture has a storytelling problem. We are often silent about our work, leaving the narrative open for others to write—and usually, they get it wrong. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, host Jonathon Haralson sits down with Kirbe Schnoor, host of FarmHer and RanchHer, to bridge the gap between production agriculture and the public eye. Growing up on a California almond farm before moving into national media, Schnoor understands the grit required to keep an operation running and the nuance needed to translate that struggle to an outside audience.The episode dives into the unique pressures facing producers today—from labor laws and water rights in California to the universal challenge of generational transition. Schnoor shares why women are often the best untold story in the industry and how honest, vulnerable conversations can combat the mental health crisis plaguing rural America. This isn't just about pretty pictures on social media; it’s about taking control of the food supply narrative before someone else does.In this episode, we cover:If farmers and ranchers don’t advocate for themselves, someone else will tell their story—and often get the facts wrong. We cannot afford to be the "quiet bear" in the room anymore; we must actively shape public perception.Women in agriculture are often the best bridge to the consumer. While men are frequently conditioned to shield the family from the volatility of the markets and weather, women are increasingly taking on the role of communicator, combating isolation and opening the door for mental health discussions.Social media creates a polished, unrealistic version of agriculture that can erode confidence. Authenticity beats production value every time; the public is tired of being marketed to and is hungry for the unvarnished reality of where their food comes from.Just like in production, success in media often comes down to timing and the willingness to show up when others won’t. Whether it's starting a farm or building a platform, the opportunity exists for those willing to do the unglamorous work.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Kirbe Schnoor:Instagram: @iamfarmher (https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/)Dirt Diaries Podcast: (https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/)Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscriptionBook Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

American agriculture is suffering from a massive empathy gap, and it is time to stop pretending that "hard work" is the only variable for success. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, Jonathon Haralson dismantles the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" narrative, arguing that it ignores the critical role of timing and inheritance. He contrasts the reality of sixth-generation farmers operating on paid-for land with the impossible math facing first-generation producers drowning in high-interest debt.Haralson calls for an end to the "competence trap"—the false belief that struggling operations are simply poorly managed—and advocates for a unified front to address systemic issues like land access, input costs, and policy failures. This isn't about playing the victim; it's about acknowledging that the economic ladder has been pulled up, and until the industry admits the playing field isn't level, we will continue losing good operators to a broken system.In this episode, we cover:Hard work is universal in agriculture, but outcomes are often determined by timing and historical advantages (like the Homestead Act or cheap land prices) rather than individual effort.There is a dangerous divide between established multi-generational farms and beginning operators; the former must acknowledge their "inheritance advantage" rather than attributing their stability solely to superior management.High interest rates, inflated input costs, and stagnant commodity prices mean that business models that worked in the 1970s are mathematically impossible for new entrants in the 2020s.High suicide rates and family breakdowns in ag are symptoms of a rigged economic game, not a lack of grit or competence among producers.Solving the crisis requires policy reform on credit and land access, not just better budgeting advice or platitudes about working harder.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Most producers dread January because they attempt to compress a year’s worth of financial data into three weeks of chaos. This episode dismantles the traditional "shoebox of receipts" panic and replaces it with a structured, year-round workflow designed specifically for agricultural operations. Host Jonathon Haralson argues that effective tax preparation begins on January 2nd, the previous year, not weeks before the deadline. He illustrates how a proactive system saves thousands in penalties and missed deductions while preserving mental energy for producers.The discussion outlines a practical "Three Bucket" method for managing documentation, mandating immediate receipt capture and quarterly financial check-ins rather than annual autopsies. Haralson explains how to vet financial partners who understand the nuances specific to agriculture, ensuring the relationship drives profitability rather than just compliance. By shifting the financial workload from an emergency sprint to a consistent routine, producers can make calculated business decisions based on accurate data rather than deadline pressure.In this episode, we cover:Treating financial documentation as a seasonal event forces producers into emotional, high-stakes decisions under duress, whereas consistent tracking allows for calculated adjustments throughout the fiscal year.Chaotic records carry a quantifiable cost, ranging from compounding failure-to-file penalties and accrued interest to substantial missed deductions for equipment use and mileage.The "Three Bucket" Method: This system organizes financial duties into three distinct categories—immediate receipt capture via digital tools, quarterly trajectory reviews with a financial partner, and December consolidation—to ensure data remains clean and accessible.An effective financial relationship requires a professional who comprehends agricultural specificities, such as lumpy cash flow and depreciation schedules, rather than a generalist focused solely on filing returns.Consistent financial tracking functions as a crucial business tool, allowing operators to evaluate structural changes—such as S-corp elections or major capital purchases—with accurate numbers well before the fiscal year concludes.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Most producers can tell you exactly what fuel mixture their tractor needs or the precise ration for their herd, yet they run their own bodies on empty. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, registered dietitian Sheri Glazier joins Brooke Taylor to dismantle the idea that nutrition requires perfection or a Whole Foods down the street. Known as the "Dirt Road Dietitian," Glazier understands when the nearest grocery store is 30 miles away and harvest is in full swing, you need practical strategies rather than judgment.Glazier breaks down how she is bringing high-level nutrition consulting to rural America through virtual coaching. The conversation covers why traditional "food police" tactics fail in agriculture and how to fuel your body for a 16-hour workday without giving up the foods you love. Whether you are grabbing lunch at a gas station or trying to manage cholesterol during calving season, this episode provides a realistic roadmap to getting your health back on track.In this episode, we cover:You are the most valuable asset in your operation. If you remove yourself from the equation, the farm stops, so you cannot afford to treat your body worse than your equipment.Geography is no longer a barrier to specialized healthcare. Virtual coaching allows rural families to access board-certified nutritionists without driving into the city or losing half a day of work.Perfection is the enemy of progress. You do not have to eat "cardboard and bark" to be healthy; you just need to learn how to navigate real-world choices like gas station lunches or fast food.Farmers are endurance athletes who play a game that lasts 16 hours a day. You cannot perform at a high level or make million-dollar decisions with a foggy brain caused by poor fueling.Insurance often covers nutrition services. Many producers are unaware that their existing health plans may fully cover preventative dietary counseling, making it accessible regardless of the market cycle.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Sheri:Website (https://www.dirtroaddietitian.com)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/dirtroaddietitian)Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/dirtroaddietitian/)Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

There is a distinct difference between owning land and running a business, and too many producers are blurring that line to their own detriment. Cassidy Johnston, a first-generation rancher and founder of JRC Ranch Management & Consulting, joins host Jonathon Haralson to dismantle the "this is how we’ve always done it" mindset that plagues the industry. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, Johnston brings an outsider’s tactical perspective to multi-generational problems, arguing that treating a ranch like a lifestyle project rather than a multi-million dollar asset is a fast track to mediocrity. She breaks down why profitability is not a dirty word and why emotional attachment to tradition often becomes the biggest barrier to longevity.This conversation goes beyond cattle genetics and grazing rotation. Johnston and Haralson dig into the silent operational leaks that drain bank accounts, specifically the high cost of employee turnover caused by poor culture and housing. They also tackle the disconnect in modern agricultural advocacy, challenging producers to stop preaching to the choir and start providing actual value to consumers. Whether you are managing an inherited legacy or trying to build a foothold in the industry from scratch, this episode offers a necessary reality check on what it takes to build an operation that lasts.In this episode, we cover:Treating your operation like a lifestyle rather than a business is the quickest way to lose it. If you do not know your bottom line or have clear systems in place, you are just hoping for a good market rather than managing for profit."This is how we've always done it" is an expensive mindset. Johnston encourages producers to question every default decision, from weaning dates to salt placement, to find efficiencies that others miss.Employee turnover is a massive, often invisible cost on the balance sheet. Retaining good help usually comes down to more than just offering a paycheck.Data doesn't always have to be a spreadsheet. Qualitative data—like the condition of your pastures, the disposition of your herd, or the stress level on shipping day—are critical metrics you need to track.Modern advocacy is failing because it focuses on the producer, not the customer. Instead of just "sharing your story," focus on answering the questions the consumer is actually asking and providing value they can use.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Cassidy:JRC Ranch Management & Consulting – jrcranchconsulting.comCKJ Consulting and Communications – casskjohnston.comLinkedIn: @casskjohn (https://www.linkedin.com/casskjon) Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how you spend them determines if your operation grows or stalls. In this episode, host Jonathon Haralson breaks down the “1,000 Minute Rule,” a concept adapted from business heavyweights Ryan Serhant and Codie Sanchez. It challenges the traditional agricultural mindset that working harder is the only way to win. We look at how to stop trading your time for hourly wages and start investing your minutes like capital to get a real return on your day.This discussion moves beyond theory and offers a tactical seven-day audit to expose where your time is actually going. Learn how to categorize tasks into high-value work that only you can do versus low-level work that drains your focus. The goal is to stop acting like an employee in your own business and start leading like the CEO your land needs. If you are tired of running on empty, this episode gives you the structure to take control back.In this episode, we cover:Every producer starts the day with roughly 1,000 productive minutes, and you need to budget them as strictly as you budget your operating capital.Entrepreneurs get paid for solving problems and creating solutions rather than how many hours they spend grinding on tasks that could be delegated.A seven-day time audit is the most effective way to identify the “red tasks” that waste your day and the “green tasks” that actually drive revenue.You cannot afford to spend your time on low-value labor when your operation requires high-level strategic decision-making to survive and grow.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. .Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this eye-opening conversation, estate attorney Kyle Post pulls back the curtain on the critical importance of succession planning for farm and ranch families. Drawing from years of experience helping agricultural operations navigate complex transitions, Post offers candid insights into why so many avoid estate planning, the risks of inaction, and practical steps families can take to protect their legacy. Beyond just the legal and financial considerations, Post digs into the human element of estate planning - the difficult conversations families must have, the balance between fairness and equality for heirs, and how to structure plans that reflect a family's values. He emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all approach, sharing real-world examples of both successful transitions and cautionary tales. For any farmer or rancher who has worked a lifetime to build their operation, this episode offers an essential roadmap for ensuring that the legacy endures for generations to come.In this episode, we cover:Common estate planning mistakes made by agricultural families and strategies for dividing land and assets between heirs Legal tools like trusts, LLCs, and power of attorney documents, and how to minimize estate and gift taxesThe importance of having difficult family conversations early and practical first steps for families without an existing planBalancing fairness vs equality when it comes to heirsMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Kyle:kylepostlaw.comConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Not everyone upholding a legacy wears boots every day. Some manage from behind a laptop, two states away, ensuring the books are clean and the cattle fed. In this episode, Mary Kate Pedigo shares her non-traditional involvement in her family’s 120-year cattle operation, proving one does not have to be physically on the ranch to be an integral part of its legacy.Pedigo, a creative agency owner and co-founder of The Moore House, shares her unique perspective on honoring a family legacy when traditional roles evolve, blending a deep-seated connection to the land with modern entrepreneurship and remote management. Her insights cover navigating generational shifts, embracing technology, and discovering unexpected opportunities, demonstrating that an impactful role in a family operation can take many forms.In this episode, we cover:Contributing to a family's century-old ranch from afar, managing critical backend tasks like leases and payments through technology.How staying involved in the ranch's business operations arose from necessity, leading her to protect family assets and develop a fair profit-share partnership.The transformation of her grandparents' 1919 home into "The Moore House," an agritourism destination in Willcox, Arizona, that blends history with hospitality.Her diverse life involves managing a creative agency, raising a family in East Texas, and working cattle in Arizona, all held together by a commitment to legacy.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Mary Kate Pedigo:The Moore House: (https://www.moorehouseaz.com/)Instagram: @staythemoore (https://www.instagram.com/staythemoore) @marykatepedigo(https://www.instagram.com/marykatepedigo)Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this bonus episode, host Jonathon Haralson brings together key players in the beef industry to discuss cutting-edge developments in cattle genetics, feed efficiency, and sustainability. Featuring Roland Sanchez from Red Dock Farm, Mark Nelson from Greensteak, and Keaton Dodd, the new executive director of the Santa Gertrudis Association, the conversation delves into how data-driven breeding programs and innovative testing methods are shaping the future of beef production.In this episode, we cover:Feed efficiency testing and Real Progeny Data (RPD): Highlighting the critical role of feed efficiency testing in cattle breeding programs and the significance of RPD in making data-driven breeding decisions.Red Dock Farm and Greensteak collaboration: Showcasing Red Dock Farm's approach to data collection and genetic improvement, alongside Greensteak's role in verifying and valuing calves based on performance data.The importance of sustainability metrics, including water intake measurements, and the industry's focus on balancing efficiency, profitability, and environmental considerations.Exploring the potential of Santa Gertrudis genetics in enhancing commercial herds and the development of Greensteak's certification program for enrolled calves to promote superior genetics.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with our guests: https://reddocfarm.com/Instagram: @reddocfarm (https://www.instagram.com/reddocfarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedDocFarmSanta Gertrudis Association: https://santagertrudis.com/Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Red Doc Farm with Dr. Roland "Scooter" Sanchez II and Dr. Adolfo Sanchez. From a teenage dream at the New Mexico State Fair to one of the region's most respected Santa Gertrudis operations, the Sanchez family's journey offers valuable lessons for cattlemen everywhere.Scooter and Adolfo share how their father's analytical mindset as an engineer-turned-physician shaped their approach to cattle breeding, leading to innovations in efficiency testing and carcass quality. They discuss the pivotal role of Cherokee General in elevating their genetics and how partnerships with major industry players like King Ranch and AZTX Feeders validated their breeding program.Whether you're a seasoned rancher or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into building a sustainable and profitable cattle operation focused on genetic improvement and customer satisfaction.In this episode, we cover:Building a data-driven breeding program that balances productivity with adaptability to harsh environmentsThe advantages of Santa Gertrudis genetics for commercial cattlemen, including heterosis benefits and feed efficiencyTheir approach to vertical integration, from forage production to feedlot trialsStrategies for passing down a multi-generational ranching legacyData collection and analysis are crucial, but can be challenging to manage at scaleThe importance of building long-term relationships with customers, viewing them as partners in genetic improvementYoung producers should approach ranching with a business mindset while maintaining a connection to the landMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Red Doc Farms: https://reddocfarm.com/Instagram: @reddocfarm (https://www.instagram.com/reddocfarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedDocFarmRed Hot Female Sale: https://reddocfarm.com/red-hot-female-sale/ Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson sits down with James Clement, a rancher, Marine currently serving in the reserves, and tech executive leading soil strategy at Earth Optics. They delve into how these seemingly disparate worlds collide to shape his perspective on land stewardship and the future of agriculture.James brings a unique "boots on the ground" perspective to topics like soil health, carbon credits, remote monitoring, and how AgTech can truly serve the land and its caretakers. It’s a conversation that explores the intersection of tradition and innovation, challenging long-held beliefs about ranching and profitability.In this episode, we cover:Grounded in Legacy, Wired for the Future: How James's diverse background as a rancher, Marine, and tech exec informs his approach to agriculture.A 400-Year Ranching Legacy: How his family's deep roots in ranching have shaped his perspective on land stewardship.Carbon Credits Without the Fluff: Demystifying carbon credits as a revenue stream and how Earth Optics makes the process usable and transparent for producers.AgTech & Practicality: Leveraging AI and monitoring tools like Ranchbot and Frontiers Market to make better daily decisions and improve ranching observations.The Long Game in Land Ownership: The philosophy of leaving land better than you found it and the "100-year decision" mindset.Evaluating Ranch Purchases: Beyond traditional metrics, considering all revenue streams and focusing on the long-term health of the land.The Land Board: How a diverse board of experienced professionals can serve as an advisory resource for ranching operations.Addressing Misconceptions: Busting myths about soil health, AgTech, and the evolution of carbon credits.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Jameswww.earthoptics.comhttps://ranch-bot.comhttps://frontiersmarket.comhttps://www.thelandboard.com Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson visits with Wesley Thorp, a 10-time NFR qualifier and 3-time world champion team roper who proves that hard work, long hauls, and performing under pressure can coexist with family life and strong values.They explore what it takes to stay sharp year-round, how horse health impacts career longevity, and where team roping is heading as a business. More than just a rodeo star, Thorp is a grounded role model and a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and faith.Whether you're chasing a world championship or building your own ag empire, this conversation will inspire you to stay true to your values and find a winning formula that works for you.In this episode, we cover:Wesley Thorp's rodeo journey began with ranching roots and strong family influences, leading him to set ambitious goals from a young age.Despite a demanding travel schedule, Thorp prioritizes his family, marrying young and finding ways to balance his rodeo career with his roles as a husband and father.Staying sharp and maintaining a winning streak requires focus and dedication, along with a good partner and good horses.Thorp emphasizes that horse health is essential for career longevity, viewing his equine partners as athletes deserving of top-tier care.Looking ahead, Thorp sees team roping moving toward increased specialization, as well as opportunities in branding and business ventures.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Wesley Thorp:Website: [wesleythorp.com](https://wesleythorp.com/)Instagram: @wesley.thorpConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson welcomes Hannah Ferri, Director of Growth & Operations at Empire Ag, for a peek behind the curtain. They explore what it takes to scale a rapidly growing business, the importance of putting the right people in the right seats, and why a little bit of process can go a long way.Hannah shares her journey from South Texas roots to leading operations at Empire Ag, offering actionable insights on building systems, onboarding clients, and empowering a high-performing team. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing organization, this episode will inspire you to lead with grit, build real systems, and embrace the power of saying "yes" to the right help.In this episode, we cover:A disaster-turned-opportunity with the "Going Coastal" brandWhy processes matter (especially in a growing business)and how creating efficiency relieves bottlenecks.Putting the right people in the right seats allows people to flourishTouchpoints, communication, and processes, and how Empire Ag’s client onboarding process has changedEmpowering employees, prioritizing responsibilities, and making sure all of Empire Ag’s brands align have built internal clarity and successful growth.What's Next at Empire Ag: The future of branding, adding key personnel, and continuing to scale with intention.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Hannah:Follow on Instagram @hannahmo_stxGoin' Coastal @goincoastaloutfittersRanch & Reef Outfitters @ranchandreefoutfitterswww.hannahmo.com Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson tackles a topic at the heart of every business, farm, and life decision: money. Drawing from “The Psychology of Money,” by Morgan Housel, he emphasizes the emotional side of finances, revealing that money is far more than spreadsheets and numbers. Haralson dives into how our upbringings, experiences, and fears play a significant role in our financial decision-making.He challenges the idea that success is all about skill, reminding listeners that luck plays a part, and calls for humility and grace in the high-stakes game of agriculture. Beyond the balance sheet, Haralson pushes listeners to take ownership of what money really means to them. Whether you’re chasing millions or starting from scratch, this episode encourages you to stay grounded, stay grateful, and remember that you are worth more than paper.In this episode, we cover:The psychological baggage we bring to money decisionsThe role of luck in success and failureWhy grace and humility matter in agricultureThe "more" trap and chasing the horizonCompounding principles beyond financeWhat it takes to get wealthy vs. staying wealthyHow defining "enough" leads to freedomFinancial planning with reason, not perfectionWhy your scoreboard isn't everyone else'sMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson sits down with Dr. Tom Field, the force behind the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, to explore the power of starting, building a legacy, and the importance of leading a purposeful life. They dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of community, and the need for strength tempered with gentleness.Dr. Field shares his insights on overcoming internal barriers, embracing failure, and the role of faith and hope in navigating the real world. It's a conversation that inspires action and encourages listeners to aspire, not just dream.Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.In this episode, we cover:The Power of the Start: Overcoming internal barriers and taking the first step.Navigating the twists and turns of entrepreneurship and learning from "false starts."How the education system can hinder creativity and the importance of asking the right questions.Discovering a passion by solving problems or falling in love with a customer base.The Next Generation and Family Operations: Earning the opportunity to be part of a family business and bringing new ideas to the table.Creating a culture where employees feel ownership and are empowered to contribute.Blending work and life, having accountability partners, and finding a brotherhood.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Dr. Field:www.englerjourney.comFollow on Instagram@engler_unl Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon tackles a tough topic: what farmers and ranchers are really passing down to the next generation. It's not just land and debt—it's cycles of stress, silence, and financial habits. Jonathon dives into generational patterns, from financial management to relationships, and how emotional silence can impact families. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting out, this episode challenges you to look beyond the balance sheet and build a lasting legacy of stability and health.In this episode, we cover:Why passing down the farm shouldn't mean passing down the struggles.Examining financial management, relationships, and business structures.How unaddressed trauma impacts families and operations.The importance of proper succession planning and avoiding the "working for nothing" trap.Dealing with your "stuff" through therapy and open communication.Being present for your kids and leading with strength, not fear.The critical role of life insurance and estate planning.Understanding the roles of CEO, CFO, and Foreman in your operation.Building a healthy family and a farm set up to last.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this special episode of Your Ag Empire, Jonathon Haralson sits down with Brooke Taylor—Empire Ag’s Chief of Brand Strategy and the founder of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation—for a raw, unfiltered conversation about legacy, loss, and the power of choosing to stay.Brooke opens up about what it really took to launch a nonprofit while raising a toddler and fighting metastatic breast cancer. She talks through the foundation’s flagship programs—scholarships for B and C students, small business grants for rural women, and Love Bombs for women fighting cancer—and the deeply personal experiences that shaped each initiative.More than a nonprofit, the Rural Gone Urban Foundation is a movement rooted in community, second chances, and support for women who don’t check the traditional boxes—but who show up anyway.Whether you’re a founder, a farmer, or just someone who’s walked through fire and kept going, this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover:Why rural women deserve better supportThe story behind launching the foundationBuilding something during the storm, not after itWhy “B and C students” are exactly who we should bet onThe real goal of Love BombsWhat Brooke wants her daughter to know about hard thingsLegacy, money, and the power of showing upMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with the Rural Gone Urban Foundation:Follow on Instagram @ruralgoneurbanfoundationFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralgoneurbanfoundationwww.ruralgoneurban.orgConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Nebraska rancher and rural relationship guide Terryn Drieling joins Your Ag Empire to talk about mental and emotional health, breaking generational cycles, and how healing starts with connection—not correction.In this episode, Holly sits down with rancher and rural relationship guide Terryn Drieling to talk about the kind of work most folks avoid—but desperately need: the inner work of healing. From her journey out of the feedlot to launching a movement rooted in emotional wellness, Terryn shares real, grounded insight on why mental and emotional health in rural communities can’t be an afterthought.Whether she’s helping others regulate their nervous system or drawing parallels between stockmanship and parenting, Terryn doesn’t offer easy fixes—just deep, steady guidance for folks ready to reconnect with themselves and their people.In this episode, we cover:Why Terryn pivoted from feedlot work to relationship workHow “good movement draws good movement” became her compassWhy rural America struggles to talk about emotions—and how to startParenting from a place of presence instead of pressureHow she works with rural families through one-on-one coaching and her Good Movement CollectiveMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with GUEST:Instagram: @terryn.drielingPodcast: Good Movement Draws Good MovementWebsite: www.terryndrieling.comConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

This isn’t your average farmer’s market vendor. She’s a mom, a wife, and a Kentucky rancher who’s built an entire life—and business—around healing, hope, and homemade bread. In this episode, she sits down with host Holly Haralson to share the long road to D2 Meats, the infertility battle that changed her perspective, and how she turned her lowest valley into a mountaintop moment.You’ll hear:The truth about living with MTHFR—and how it reshaped her health and mindsetHow infertility led Danielle to pursue a completely new way of eating, living, and raising her kidsWhy she believes the local food movement and regenerative ag are more than trendsThe real story behind D2 Meats’ success—and why it took leaning into personal values, not just profit marginsWhether you’re deep in a health journey, navigating parenthood, or trying to build a business that actually aligns with your life, this episode will leave you seen, inspired, and maybe craving some freshly milled bread.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Danielle:@haydanib on InstagramD2 Meats Hayden Farms on FacebookConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Cattle prices are at historic highs. You have 500 head on the books, debt to settle, and a market that feels too good to be true. Should you sell? Sit tight? Or find a creative exit strategy? In this episode, Jonathon Haralson walks through the real math, real risks, and real opportunities ranchers are facing in 2025. If you're even thinking about getting out, you'll want to hear this first.In this Episode, We Covered:The $5,000 cow math and capital gains implicationsWhat 2015 taught us—and what to remember nowCreative transition strategies for retiring ranchersHow younger producers can step in without being "given" the farmThe danger of wasteful spending during boom yearsHow LRP, hedging, and smart marketing protect the bottom lineIf you're weighing your next move in the cattle business, reach out to Empire Ag. We help producers like you find smart, sustainable ways to step forward—whether that means staying in, handing off, or stepping away.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon sits down with legendary cowboy cook, storyteller, and TV host Kent Rollins. From feeding cowboys under the stars to starring in his new show Cast Iron Cowboy on Outdoor Channel, Kent shares what it means to preserve the cowboy lifestyle while staying relevant in a modern world. They talk about his beginnings in Oklahoma, the spirit of chuck wagon cooking, and the heart it takes to build something that lasts. This one’s packed with grit, heart, and a whole lot of cowboy wisdom.What You'll Hear:How Kent’s roots shaped his path in cowboy cookingThe backstory behind Cast Iron CowboyWhy he believes humor, hospitality, and hard work still matterStories from the road (and the ranch)What it takes to make a living cooking with fire in a digital ageFollow Kent:Instagram: @cowboykentrollinsYouTube: Cowboy Kent RollinsTikTok: @cowboykentofficialWatch Cast Iron Cowboy on Outdoor ChannelPremieres September 29, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET during the "Taste of the Wild" blockMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this no-guest episode, Jonathon and Holly discuss what they’re seeing firsthand on farms and ranches across the country. They cover a real-world succession planning project in South Carolina, a new mastermind member from Idaho, and how EA Capital is giving producers new financial options in a shaky banking environment. This is a transparent look at how ag families are navigating hard transitions, making bold moves, and finally getting the support they’ve needed for years.In this episode, we cover:What succession planning actually looks like in ag familiesWhy relationship-first lending is making a differenceA new member’s journey from burnout to breakthroughHow EA Capital is helping farmers stay on their landThe pressure wives face when returning to the farmWhy Empire Ag’s mastermind isn’t one-size-fits-allMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode of Your Ag Empire, Jonathon sits down with Kim Rounds of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding to talk about the real state of feedyards, the talent drought in agriculture, and why ag storytelling needs a hard reset. From carcass data to hiring red flags, this one pulls no punches.What do nearly a million head of cattle, an underpaid workforce, and your dusty job listing have in common? Kim Rounds has thoughts. She’s the digital voice behind the largest cattle feeding company in the world—and she’s tired of watching agriculture miss the mark.In this episode, Jonathon and Kim go deep on:What people get wrong about feedyards—and what they need to understandHow carcass data can change your operationWhy retained ownership is more accessible than you thinkThe hard truths about hiring in ag (and why your job listing might be the problem)Why it’s time to stop gatekeeping this industryHow to deal with internet trolls and misinformation without burning outWhat makes ag content connect (hint: it’s not methane stats)This isn’t a feel-good fluff piece about agriculture. It’s the kind of conversation that pushes producers, marketers, and managers to get serious about their business, their brand, and their people.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Kim: TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (@__k__d__r__ ) and kimrounds.comConnect with Five Rivers: @5rcattle | fiveriverscattle.comConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

On this episode of Your Ag Empire, we’re sitting down with Kiah Twisselman Burchett—also known as Coach Kiah. From the cattle ranch to the national stage, Kiah has built a platform that reminds us joy isn’t just something we stumble into—it’s something we fight for.She shares her journey from rural California to Kentucky, navigating body image, health, and personal growth every step of the way. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own skin or discouraged by the journey, this one’s for you.We get into:The real work of body confidenceWhy joy takes practiceHow growing up in ag shaped her mindsetShowing up imperfectly (and why that’s enough)Kiah’s honesty, humor, and heart make this a must-listen—especially if you're ready to trade self-judgment for self-compassion.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Coach Kiah:Follow on: coachkiah.comConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Most farmers and ranchers know the feeling—you walk into the bank with everything you’ve built and still get treated like a liability. In this episode, Jonathon Haralson shares the story behind EA Capital: a lending model built for the real world of agriculture.He talks about what it’s like to create a financial system that respects the people who feed this country. From busted bank relationships to why Empire Ag only lends to clients we already serve, this episode breaks down the how, why, and what’s next for EA Capital.In this episode, we cover:Why ag lending is broken—and how we’re fixing itReal-world examples of EA Capital in actionThe difference between cash poor and creditworthyWhat producers should know about Fund 1 and what’s aheadMake sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:EA CapitalBook a Discovery CallLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:No fluff. No gimmicks. Just serious strategy for serious ag leaders. We dive into the Empire Ag Elite Mastermind Program—a high-level coaching community for farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness pros who are ready to scale. Click below for details.Elite Mastermind

This time, it’s Brooke and Carman behind the mic. They’ve helped shape the look, voice, and digital footprint of Empire Ag—and today, they’re walking you through the why behind it all. This episode covers where they believe ag brands should be spending their time online, how to think about content when you’re doing it all yourself, and what makes a brand worth following in 2025. You’ll hear honest thoughts on TikTok shop, LinkedIn’s quiet power, and what happens when a two-person team decides to build something real—and consistent.If you’ve ever felt behind on content or unsure what’s worth your time online, you’re not alone. And this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover:Where to show up if you’re not selling DTCWhy websites still matter (especially when the algorithm doesn’t)The Empire Ag origin story (yes, Brooke’s been here since the start)What it looks like to build community with your clientsSocial media mistakes we’ve learned from—and what we do insteadWhy showing up as yourself is always the best strategyWant to connect?Find us at Empire Ag on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. DM us your questions, your wins, and what you’re building. We see it all.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Most folks don’t think about trucking when they picture agriculture, but it’s the backbone that keeps the whole system moving. In this episode, Jonathon talks with Jared Flinn, co-founder of BulkLoads.com, about how his platform has reshaped bulk freight and why small trucking outfits are essential to agriculture’s future.Jared shares how growing up on a Missouri farm and working in grain logistics led him to launch BulkLoads in a basement, and how it’s evolved into a suite of companies—from factoring to compliance to insurance. He also breaks down the hidden challenges of bulk freight, the razor-thin margins owner-operators face, and why he believes the trucking industry is ripe for innovation.In this episode, we cover:The early days of BulkLoads.com and how Jared spotted a gap in the marketWhy technology and storytelling are critical to building trust in truckingThe cost-cutting strategies that help small fleets stay profitableHow better data and transparency can improve life for drivers and shippers alikeWhat Jared sees as the next frontier in ag transportationShare this episode with someone who hauls the weight of their business down America’s roads. Hit follow so you never miss a story from Your Ag Empire.Connect with Jared:Follow on LinkedInSubscribe on YouTubeCheck out his websiteConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Smart Freight FundingLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Today on Your Ag Empire, Jonathon sits down with Sharon Beach—a Texas rancher who built her reputation one handshake at a time. Sharon spent 25 years at Merck, then pivoted into private equity where she helped raise $165 million. Now she’s leading EA Capital, connecting investors to agriculture-backed lending without the corporate fluff.If you’ve ever wondered how to bet on yourself (and back it up), or you’re curious what it looks like to blend ranch values with Wall Street returns, you’ll want to hear this one.In this episode, we cover:Why trust beats fancy credentials every timeWhat Sharon learned moving from the pasture to the private marketsThe difference between looking rich and being wealthyHow agriculture shaped her approach to deals—and lifeWhy she believes direct lending is about to change ag finance for goodIf Sharon’s story got you thinking about your next move, send this episode to someone else building their own operation. And tap follow so you catch the next conversation.Connect with Sharon:Learn more about EA CapitalConnect with Sharon on LinkedInConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about Empire AgLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker

You don’t have to be a fifth-generation farmer to make it in ag. You just have to want it bad enough.On this episode of Your Ag Empire, we’re sitting down with Gavin Spoor—a first-generation farmer from northeast Missouri who went from renting six acres as a college kid to running a 2,000-acre row crop and specialty popcorn operation.In this episode, we cover:Why the business side of farming hits like a firehoseWhat he’d actually spend money on if you're just starting outRebuilding old equipment instead of chasing shiny paintBuilding a customer base one social post at a timeWhy not growing up in it might be the advantageGavin shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how he’s using popcorn and a little storytelling to carve out something of his own. He’s not trying to impress anybody—just trying to build something that lasts.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Gavin:Spoor Farms PopcornTikTok: @ThePopcornFarmerInstagram: @gavin_spoorSeries on AcresTV: Dirt PoorConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

What happens when you walk away from comfort in pursuit of calling? On this episode of Your Ag Empire, rural entrepreneur Alex Lowery joins Jonathon to talk about her journey from corporate agriculture to building multiple purpose-driven brands in small-town America.Alex shares the origin stories behind Lowery & Co., Rural Changemakers, Middle of the Field Media, and Sweet Bliss Candy Company—explaining how each venture was born from a mix of grit, passion, and faith. She also opens up about what healthy ambition really looks like, how to navigate the mental load of motherhood and entrepreneurship, and why action brings clarity (even when you're afraid to start).This conversation is for anyone sitting in that tension between what is and what could be. If you've been feeling the nudge to pivot, this is your sign.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Alex:Instagram: @alexjloweryFacebook: Alex LoweryLinkedIn: Alex LoweryTikTok: @alexjloweryConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:alexjlowery.comRuralChangemakers.comMiddleOfTheFieldMedia.comSweetBlissCandyCompany.comLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode of Your Ag Empire, we’re sitting down with Haley Davenport—the heart and hands behind Steel Marie Collective. A single mom of two, vintage western entrepreneur, and unapologetic advocate for starting over, Haley brings a refreshingly honest take on rebuilding life after it falls apart.She talks about what it means to pursue purpose over perfection, the power of creating a home-based business that fits your values, and how pain can lead to clarity. This isn’t about hustle culture or polished Pinterest boards—it’s about honoring your story, working with your hands, and finding peace in the process.In this episode, we cover:Haley’s journey from unraveling to rebuildingCreating a business that blends motherhood, faith, and fashionThe shame that often comes with starting over—and how to let it goWhy women in their 30s need more real voices and fewer highlight reelsWhat it means to be powerful and gentleHaley reminds us you don’t have to do it all to have it all—you just have to do what matters.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Haley & Steel Marie Collective:Follow on Instagram @steelmariecollectiveFollow on TikTokFollow on FacebookCheck out her websiteConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Lesley Kelly shares her journey through mental health challenges, founding Do More Ag, and building a personal brand that bridges rural life and advocacy.On this episode of Your Ag Empire, we welcome Lesley Kelly—a farmer, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and the voice behind High Heels & Canola Fields. Lesley shares her deeply personal story of overcoming anxiety and postpartum depression, how it led to co-founding the Do More Ag Foundation, and why she believes talking openly about mental health is critical in farming communities.Lesley also discusses her transition into leadership after the loss of her father, the challenges of balancing motherhood, business, and grief, and how she’s shaping the future of agriculture for her children. Plus, we dive into how she built partnerships with major brands like Ford and McDonald’s and why mentorship is now a key part of her mission.In this episode, we cover:The mental health crisis in agriculture and why it’s different for rural communities.How Lesley and her husband navigated debilitating anxiety and postpartum depression.Founding the Do More Ag Foundation to provide real mental health resources for farmers.Building the High Heels & Canola Fields brand and turning advocacy into action.The power of mentorship and helping the next generation of ag influencers.How grief shaped her leadership role on the family farm.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Lesley:Follow on Instagram @highheelsandcanolafieldsFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on XCheck out her websiteConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Website: Do More Ag Foundation24/7 Peer Support: AgTalk through Do More AgLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker

In this episode of Your Ag Empire, we're flipping the mic and putting Holly Haralson in the guest chair. Holly is the COO of Empire Ag and the driving force behind Empire Financial Services. Her journey from pharmacist to farm finance expert is anything but ordinary.We unpack the pivotal moment that shifted her career, how a traumatic experience led her to refocus her life, and the surprising similarities between reading prescriptions and reading profit-and-loss reports. Holly shares the origin story of Farm Assist, its evolution into Empire Financial Services, and what producers are still getting wrong when it comes to managing their books.In this episode, we cover:How trauma led to clarity and a new purposeWhat pharmacists and bookkeepers actually have in commonThe early days of Empire Ag and the hole Holly saw in ag financial servicesWhat financial strategy looks like when it’s actually workingHow Figured helped build better break-evens for real decision-makingWhy there's power in knowing your numbers year-round, not just at tax timeThe challenge and reward of building a remote financial services team rooted in rural valuesWhether you're a farmer trying to get bank-ready or a professional wondering if it's too late to pivot careers, Holly's story proves there's a way forward—and it starts with clean books and a clear head.Learn more at youragempire.com/financialservices or connect with Holly on Instagram @holly_haralson_.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

This week on Your Ag Empire, we sit down with Jordan Morris: a first-generation Iowa cattleman, LRP/LGM agent, and dad to five boys. Jordan owns and operates Midwest Feeders LLC and helps producers navigate market risk through StockGuard. He's also the newest member of the Empire Ag team.In this episode, we unpack Jordan's journey from toy tractors in town to running a multi-site cattle feeding operation. He shares the hard lessons learned from building a business without a head start, how he leverages USDA-backed tools like LRP and LGM to protect his customers, and what it means to be both dad and operator in an industry that doesn’t slow down.What we cover:The challenges and advantages of being a first-gen farmerHow Jordan scaled Midwest Feeders despite early setbacksWhat makes his custom feeding operation differentHow LRP and LGM can help producers manage market volatilityWhy joining Empire Ag changed the game for his businessFatherhood, faith, and keeping perspective through tough seasonsWhether you're feeding cattle, looking for new tools to manage risk, or figuring out how to juggle business and family, Jordan's story will resonate. It's real, honest, and proof that where you start doesn't define where you can go.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Jordan:Email: [email protected] with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:LRP & LGM Quotes: youragempire.com/stockguardLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

Looking for better ways to manage your farm finances, create budgets, or make smarter decisions with real-time data? In this episode of Your Ag Empire, we talk with Erin Arick from Figured, a cloud-based farm financial management platform built specifically for farmers, ag advisors, and accountants.We explore how Figured integrates with QuickBooks and Xero, helps track profitability by crop season, and enables scenario planning for long-term growth—or even succession planning and exiting the operation.In this episode, we cover:Why cloud-based farm accounting tools matterHow Figured helps farmers make data-driven decisionsThe difference between tax accounting and managerial accountingHow to track crop and livestock performance in real timeWays to collaborate with your ag advisor or banker using shared reportsHow Figured supports sustainability and long-term profitability in agriculturePlus, we share real-world examples of producers who used the tool to avoid burnout, restructure debt, or retire with dignity.Whether you’re scaling up, thinking about succession, or just tired of guessing with spreadsheets, this episode offers clear, practical insights for better financial decision-making in agriculture.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Erin:Connect with Erin Arick on LinkedIn Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteSome of the links mentioned are affiliate links, which helps to support this podcast at no additional cost to you. Resources & Links:Learn more about Figured.Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In this episode of Your Ag Empire, we sit down with Brian Scott, a fourth-generation Indiana farmer and the voice behind The Farmer’s Life. Long before TikTok trends and algorithm hacks, Brian was using social media to connect with consumers, document his days on the farm, and advocate for agriculture with honesty and humility.We talk about how ag content has evolved over the past decade, why he believes farmers should show the mundane, and how he balances a 2,400-acre no-till operation with family, band boosters, and building content that lasts.Whether you’re a first-generation rancher or a seasoned producer, this episode is full of real talk on partnerships, parenting, content creation, and the power of showing up online with integrity.In this episode, we cover:The early days of ag content creation and what’s changed since 2011Why Brian focuses on educating non-ag audiences—and how that’s built long-term trustBehind the scenes of building and monetizing The Farmer’s LifeWorking 50/50 with his dad and raising the next generation on the farmPrioritizing family and showing up for kids during planting and harvestThe value of self-employment and lessons from leaving (and returning to) the farmAdvice for farmers wanting to start sharing online without the fear of trolls or imposter syndromeIf this episode gave you a fresh take on farming, family, or sharing your story online, send it to a friend who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to follow Your Ag Empire—we’ve got more real conversations coming your way next week.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Brian:Website: TheFarmersLife.comInstagram: @thefarmerslifeFacebook: The Farmer's LifeYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/thefarmerslife TikTok, YouTube, X/Twitter: @thefarmerslifeConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

On this episode of Your Ag Empire, we’re sitting down with sixth-generation Iowan and marketing pro Lexi Marek Beeler. She’s the founder of L&B Consulting and the woman behind the new rural women’s event, Hey Sister. From showing pigs to building a thriving business rooted in family and agriculture, Lexi shares how she’s navigating entrepreneurship, motherhood, and returning to the family farm.In this episode, we cover:What makes marketing in ag differentThe power of fractional marketingLife lessons from working with women-led teamsWhy rural communities matter—and how to keep them thrivingThe story and strategy behind launching the Hey Sister eventWhether you’re in ag, adjacent to it, or just trying to figure out your next move, this episode’s full of practical advice, honest stories, and a whole lot of heart.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Lexi:Visit her website Check out her event, Hey SisterFollow on Instagram @leximarekbeelerConnect on LinkedIn @leximarekbeelerConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

On this episode of Your Ag Empire, we’re joined by Lettie Nickell—a fourth-generation Kansas rancher who's turning tradition on its head. From managing feedyards to transforming an old grain bin into a hit Airbnb, Letty is proof that the future of agriculture belongs to those willing to think outside the box.Lettie shares how she returned to the family operation with one rule: bring value or don’t come back. She walks us through how she built revenue streams like direct-to-consumer beef sales, short-term rentals, a wedding venue, and even a community feed store. Lettie doesn’t shy away from the challenges—family dynamics, shifting mindsets, and figuring out how to make it all work.Whether you’re looking to bring your own kids back to the farm, add off-farm income, or just feel inspired by what’s possible in ag, this conversation is packed with grit, creativity, and real talk.If this episode sparked new ideas or made you curious about sleeping in a grain bin—share it with a friend. And hit follow so you don’t miss the next conversation inside Your Ag Empire.Connect with Lettie:Lettie on InstagramLettie on TikTokBook the AirbnbLearn about the wedding venueConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

After years of veterinary school and only four years in the field, Kari Jo Kelso walked away from her full-time vet career to chase something unexpected—t-shirts. Now the founder of Kelso & Co., Kari Jo has built a thriving apparel business and renovated a historic downtown space to support other rural entrepreneurs. In this episode of Your Ag Empire, we talk about grief, creativity, small-town pride, and what happens when you decide not to wait for retirement to live your life.Kari Jo Kelso was living the life she thought she wanted—Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, steady job, clear path. But after losing her mom at 52, everything changed.In this episode, we talk about:How Kelso & Co. started as a side hustle to cover plane ticketsPivoting from a traditional career into full-time entrepreneurshipWhy small towns need more creative spacesWhat grief teaches us about how (and when) to liveThe accidental launch of a corn-themed swimsuit lineHow Kari Jo gives back through purpose-driven designs and event spacesDiversifying income in rural AmericaBalancing multiple roles: vet, designer, auction helper, small-town dreamerIf you’ve ever felt called to something different, this one’s for you.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Kari:Shop Kelso & Co.: shopkelsoandco.comBook The Small Towner event space: smalltownermacomb.comConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In part two, Jonathon and Brandon dig even deeper—breaking down the economic impact of misaligned agronomic advice and the mental toll of farming when the numbers don’t add up.Brandon shares real-world wins, including how he helped one grower save over $400,000 without sacrificing yield.In this episode:The trap of $35/acre decisions that add no valueWhy soil fertility problems are rarely solved with a jugThe hard truth about regenerative ag (and who’s actually doing it)How ProGro is redefining success—one field at a timeA wake-up call on the emotional and mental health side of farmingThis episode is a gut-check for any grower who’s ever felt the weight of the spreadsheet—and wondered if there’s a better way.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with BrandonVisit Pro Gro Agronomy’s Website Visit ProGro Consulting’s WebsiteEmail him at [email protected] with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services

In part one of this two-part conversation, Jonathon sits down with Brandon Vining, founder of ProGrow Consulting, to talk about what’s broken in traditional ag retail—and why independent agronomy is gaining ground.Brandon shares how decades in the ag retail trenches taught him exactly what not to do, and what it took to build a business that puts growers first.In this episode:Why the retail model isn’t built for the growerThe moment Brandon realized he had to walk awayWhat independent agronomy actually looks like in the fieldThe financial risks most farmers don’t know they’re takingHow his model puts power—and money—back in the hands of producersIf you’ve ever wondered whether your agronomy advice is serving your farm or someone else’s bottom line, this one’s for you.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with Brandon: Visit the Pro Gro Agronomy website.Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services