Ep. 306 - Top 10 Farming Concerns

Too many farmers are stuck in survival mode, juggling high input costs, debt, and unpredictable markets, without a real plan for control or long-term success.

In this episode, Mary Jo Irmen unpacks the Top 10 Concerns facing today’s farmers and ranchers, from inconsistent cash flow to retirement worries, and shows how five of them can be tackled with the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC). She also shares real stories from client meetings that highlight the importance of knowing your numbers, creating off-farm income, and understanding the financial tools you already have (but may not be using wisely).

This is a wake-up call for anyone still believing the farm will somehow “figure itself out.” If you're serious about taking control of your operation, this episode is a must-listen.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

Most farmers don't have a cash flow problem; they have a utilization problem

IBC solves 5 of the top 10 farming concerns (including retirement and access to capital)

Why “knowing your numbers” isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of smart financial decisions

Custom work, partnerships, and strategic investing can ease cash flow pressure

Too many farmers are funding banks and Wall Street before their operations

⏱️ EPISODE TIMECODES

(00:00) – Intro + Play Share reminder

(00:44) – The top 10 concerns facing farmers in 2025

(01:27) – #1: Cash flow inconsistency and what to do about it

(02:46) – The “How can I?” mindset shift

(03:53) – Off-farm businesses, capital investing, and cash flow strategies

(04:55) – #2: High operating costs

(05:47) – #3: Debt load and the problem with how farmers buy equipment

(07:16) – #4: Land affordability + succession planning

(07:36) – #5: Access to capital without losing control

(07:58) – #6: Price volatility and market uncertainty

(08:06) – #7: Tax liabilities and the truth about year-end spending

(12:02) – #8: Misunderstanding insurance; PNC, crop, and life

(14:53) – #9: Lack of liquidity for emergencies

(15:16) – #10: Retirement is a concern, but no one is preparing for it

(17:19) – Real example: A client overfunding IRAs while borrowing at 7.5%

(18:13) – A real business example: How one farm family runs it like a Fortune 500 company

(21:03) – The problem with diluted shares in LLCs across generations

(23:00) – Why you don’t need to meet with both John and Mary Jo

(23:54) – Final thoughts: 5 problems solved by IBC, are you ready to do something different?

📚 RESOURCES & LINKS
📘 Get your copy of Farming Without the Bank:
👉 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book

📅 Read The Book? Book a meeting with Mary Jo or John:
👉 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact

🎧 Listen to more episodes:
👉 Available on all major podcast platforms

💬 Got questions? Email Mary Jo:
📨 [e-mail]

👍 Follow on Facebook:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/FarmingWithoutTh