Shows
The Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastHow To Eat For HealthSend us a textAfter months on a modified ketogenic diet, we share our personal journeys with giving up sugar and carbohydrates, exploring both the challenges and life-changing health benefits we've experienced.• Sugar is the most addictive substance humans consume, and breaking its grip requires complete elimination for at least 2-3 months• Ketosis is a state where your body burns fat instead of sugar for fuel, providing benefits like reduced inflammation and improved mental clarity• The hardest parts of keto are finding enough variety in meals and overcoming the convenience factor of carb-heavy foods2025-07-2427 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastGrowing Together: One Road Trip at a TimeSend us a textJesse and Leah reflect on how their relationship has evolved over 19 years of marriage, from surviving the chaos of early careers and parenthood to finding deeper connection through everyday moments.• Finding quality time together has transformed from quarterly weekend getaways to valued truck rides and morning coffee conversations• When feeling disconnection in relationships, look inward first to see how you're feeling about yourself• Personal growth comes from recognizing when you're blaming others for obstacles you've created yourself• The foundation of being lovable to others is learning to love yourself...2025-07-1716 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastAll Things Fair: Hair Products & Heifery AttitudesSend us a textWe reflect on our county fair memories while preparing for this year's Lee County Fair in Iowa, where our son will show a heifer he's raised from birth. Fair traditions have evolved over time, but the values of hard work, responsibility, and personal growth remain central to the 4-H and FFA experience.• The show industry has changed drastically since our childhood, becoming more specialized and separate from production agriculture• Camping at the fair creates special memories and traditions for farm families• Responsibility for livestock teaches kids that animals eat before...2025-07-1030 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastReimagining the Modern Family FarmSend us a textSummer on the farm brings a whirlwind of activity as we balance baling, spraying, fair preparation, and finding moments to connect as a family amid the busy season. The weight of sustaining our agricultural legacy weighs heavily as we navigate the challenges of modern farming and explore ways to diversify and strengthen our operation.• Feeling the rush of summer farm activities while trying to make time for family connection• Recent health scare triggering memories of past farm accident and trauma• Exploring adding wheat to our crop rotation with plans to fol...2025-07-0336 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastCoffee on the Porch: Copper and SugarSend us a textIn this hot and humid Iowa summer, we share updates on our hay making, crop conditions, and innovative approaches to foliar feeding crops with precise nutrient mixtures. We discuss how we're transitioning to drone technology for better application of nutrients while reducing compaction and crop damage.• Corn is looking good at V10 stage and standing over 6½ feet tall• Moving to drone technology for foliar feeding and fungicide application• Using targeted nutrition based on tissue samples rather than blanket applications• Copper serves as a natural fungicide while sugar acts as a natu...2025-06-2621 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastCoffee on the Porch: Haymaking, Mindset, and Green BeansSend us a textJesse and Dr. Leah share their "Coffee on the Porch" conversation covering farm updates, personal reflections, and practical health tips for agricultural families.• Discussing the satisfaction of haymaking season and the nostalgia of fresh-cut hay smell• Comparing the surprising growth difference between expensive hybrid soybeans and simple garden green beans• Practicing gratitude as a tool for maintaining perspective during busy farming seasons• Addressing the challenge of getting caught in day-to-day busy work versus tasks that "move the needle"• Exploring the limiting belief of needing to do everything yourself i...2025-06-1924 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastHay Bales and Life Tales: Dad EditionSend us a textJesse and Leah reflect on the invaluable lessons learned from their fathers that have shaped who they are as farmers and as people. Despite being busy with hay baling during Father's Day weekend, they take time to honor the wisdom that's been passed down through generations on their family farms.• Hard work as a foundational value that both sets of parents instilled in them• Finding balance between dedication and burnout when it comes to farm work• The wisdom of managing fewer acres excellently rather than many acres poorly• Putting...2025-06-1212 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastThe Rhythm of Rural Life: Planting and Growing TogetherSend us a textJesse and Dr. Leah share updates from their farm life, discussing their new high tunnel greenhouse project and the seasonal transition from planting to summer maintenance. They explore the physical and mental health benefits of growing your own food, getting your hands in the dirt, and connecting with the natural world.• Installation of a 3,100 square foot high tunnel greenhouse after receiving an NRCS grant• Extensive companion planting with herbs and vegetables to enhance flavor and deter pests• Growing tomatoes, peppers, berries, green beans, and many other crops for self-sufficiency•...2025-06-0524 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastThe Work Will Always Be There, But Your Kids Will NotSend us a textFarm life means constantly juggling seasonal pressures with family needs while battling self-imposed time constraints. Jesse and Dr. Leah explore the mental and physical toll of the farming mindset that everything must be done immediately and perfectly.• Spring brings overwhelming task lists: side dressing corn, spraying, preparation for hay season, and equipment maintenance• The self-imposed pressure creates physical symptoms like back pain and sleep disruption• Farmers struggle with delegation because they want everything done their specific way• Effective communication requires explaining not just what to do but why it matte...2025-05-2924 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastSeven Simple Steps to Feel Better TodaySend us a textMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and today we discuss practical strategies for farmers, ranchers, and anyone who's been running on empty during busy seasons. We share our personal experiences with burnout and stress while offering seven simple, research-backed steps to improve mental wellness.• Morning sunlight exposure within the first hour of waking resets circadian rhythms and boosts mood• Naming your stresses through journaling, prayer, or conversation decreases their power over you• Human connection is essential medicine—reach out to friends or family regularly to combat isolation• Movement and physic...2025-05-2217 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastWhen the land means more than dirtSend us a textWe explore the deep emotional connection farmers have to their land and the importance of legacy planning to preserve family farms for future generations. • Farmland represents more than monetary value—it carries the blood, sweat, and tears of previous generations• Creating a mission statement and core values provides clarity for farm succession planning• Open communication between family members helps prevent conflict and preserves relationships during transitions• Next-generation farmers benefit from gaining outside experience before taking on full farm responsibilities• Non-farming heirs should understand options beyond selling inherited land• Ke...2025-05-1521 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastBuffalo Mentality: Facing Storms Head-OnSend us a textWe believe the farm's greatest asset is the farmer – their knowledge, experience, mind, and health. • Springtime on the farm means planting crops and loading fat cattle in Southeast Iowa• Unexpected challenges are inevitable on the farm – from equipment breakdowns to cattle escaping• When faced with problems, most people initially react instead of respond• Moving from "why is this happening to me?" to "what am I learning from this?" shifts your perspective• The faster you can stop ruminating on problems and start seeking solutions, the better• Having a supportive part...2025-05-0819 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastPlanting Seeds of WellbeingSend us a textWe explore the transformative impact of taking breaks during busy farming seasons and how it can rejuvenate your mindset and productivity. Our recent family getaway in the middle of planting season proved that stepping away from farm responsibilities, even briefly, can significantly improve mood and perspective.• Spring planting update with crops in the ground and looking good despite not rushing• Taking a quick family weekend getaway during planting season led to better mood and productivity• Our kids had a phone-free weekend at the lake, experiencing "good boredom" that fosters creati...2025-05-0125 min
Farm4Profit PodcastA Farmer’s Greatest Asset: Capturing The Power of the Farmer's MindIn this episode, we sit down with Jesse Steffensmeier to discuss how record-keeping and farm management can be a game-changer for farmers. As the owners of Midwest Wagyu Beef, Jesse and Leah have firsthand experience balancing farm operations, financial management, and family life. Their upcoming workbook is designed to help farmers stay organized, improve efficiency, and plan for the future with tools to track daily operations, finances, equipment, and field conditions.We also explore their background in agriculture, their transition from traditional farming to raising American Wagyu, and their journey into the farm-to-table business. They share insights...2025-05-0145 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastHydration and Sleep: Two Non-Negotiables for HealthSend us a textWe explore the fundamentals of health by focusing on two critical but often overlooked aspects: proper hydration and quality sleep. These two pillars form the foundation of success by ensuring farmers maintain their most valuable asset - their own health and wellbeing.• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily to maintain proper hydration• Replace sugary beverages (including sports drinks and energy drinks) with plain water• Consider a home water filtration system to remove heavy metals and contaminants• Create complete darkness in your bedroom by removing all ligh...2025-04-2432 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastBeyond the Acres: Learning to Listen in Tough TimesSend us a textSteve Boender returns to continue our heartfelt conversation about finding meaning through faith in farming and life's challenges. He shares wisdom about weathering economic cycles in agriculture, offering practical strategies for staying resilient during difficult times.• Economic downturns happen in roughly 50-year cycles, making current pressures part of a predictable pattern• Morning prayer and helping others are powerful tools for maintaining perspective during hardships• Look for the small daily blessings - they're everywhere when you're watching for them• Marketing strategy: "hit singles instead of home runs" by selling incremen...2025-04-1735 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastFaith, Family, and Farming: How One Farmer Built a Multi-Generational OperationSend us a textWe welcome Steve Boender, a farmer from Oskaloosa who shares his remarkable journey of faith, family, and farming over 50 years. Steve reveals how he and his wife Jan started with nothing but an FHA loan at ages 18 and 19, building a diverse agricultural enterprise while raising six children who've all returned to agriculture in various capacities.• Started farming in 1974 with 200 acres and an FHA loan at age 18• Found resilience through faith during the 1980s farm crisis when banks refused loans• Created independent business opportunities for each child rather than just positi...2025-04-1039 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastSpoon-Feeding Your CropsSend us a textWe dive deep into nitrogen management strategies, balancing science with the practical realities of farm operations to maximize yield while controlling input costs.• Fall versus spring anhydrous application depends on soil conditions, workload management, and weather patterns• Soil temperature and biology significantly impact nitrogen availability to crops• Soil moisture must be adequate to properly seal anhydrous and convert it to plant-available forms• Progressive farmers are achieving nitrogen efficiency rates around 0.7 pounds per bushel of corn• Side-dressing nitrogen at V3 growth stage offers optimal timing for corn utilization• Spoo...2025-04-0447 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastSoil Health, Root Structure, and Spring Planting Decisions Will Define Your SeasonSend us a textBeck's Field Agronomist Greg Shepard shares insights on spring planting readiness, soil biology research, and practical farming recommendations based on Beck's Practical Farm Research (PFR) findings. The conversation explores the fascinating connection between soil health and crop performance, revealing how understanding root structures and biological processes can dramatically improve yields.• Spring soil conditions currently showing good freeze-thaw cycles but need rain to settle "fluffy" topsoil• Planter maintenance is critical with corn being particularly sensitive to depth, spacing, and emergence timing• Talc replacement powders with biologicals showing consistent ROI in Beck's...2025-04-0345 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastChildren Leaving the Family Farm: A Parent's Emotional JourneySend us a textWrestling with the paradox of wanting our farm kids to stay while knowing they need to leave to grow is an emotional journey every farming family understands. Together, we unpack our real conversations with our nearly-grown son about his impending departure from our operation.• Farming families uniquely struggle with the tension between independence and legacy• The fear that your children may never return to the farm creates constant inner turmoil• Our son feels trapped between responsibility and his need for independence• We've unintentionally perpetuated gender roles in how we invol...2025-03-2737 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastThe Farmer’s Health is the Key to Farm SuccessSend us a textThe episode focuses on the crucial link between a farmer's health and the business operation. We dive into how acknowledging personal well-being can create a thriving farming business. • Importance of asking for help and shifting mindset toward delegation • Recognizing the demands of physical and mental health on farmers • Discussing personal experiences and approaches to health issues • Emphasizing the necessity of running a farm like a true business • Discussion on the significance of consistent exercise and nutrition Until next time, it's a good day to have a great day...2025-03-2052 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastFinding Balance in FarmingSend us a textOur discussion shines a light on the transformative power of slowing down in the farming lifestyle. As we navigate the busy seasons, it is essential to prioritize health, relationships, and well-being, ultimately leading to a more productive and fulfilling farming experience. • Exploring the misconception that hard work is the only path to success • The importance of recognizing the need for rest • Sharing personal experiences with injuries and their lessons • Strengthening relationships through shared breaks • Improved mental clarity and decision-making from adequate rest • Encouraging team-building and supportive practices on the f...2025-03-1322 minThe Farmer's Greatest Asset PodcastWhy Your Greatest Asset Might Just Be You!Send us a textThis episode highlights the profound connection between farming and personal health. We explore how farmers' well-being directly impacts their productivity and farm management. • Introduction of Jesse and Dr. Leah Steffensmeier • Discussion on how a farming accident revealed gaps• Importance of transferring knowledge and creating procedures for farm continuity • Exploring functional medicine and its relevance to farming health • The broader agricultural community’s shared struggles and support system Go follow us on social media and subscribe to our channel for more insights on farming and health. ...2025-03-0616 min