Impact Farming

In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy sits down with Heather Venenga, a financial advisor from Watertown, South Dakota, and the author of Protect Your Pack and Your Den!. They dive deep into the complexities of farm succession planning, discussing how farmers can achieve fair and equal in transition planning without risking the family legacy.

Heather offers invaluable insights into the common stumbling blocks farmers fa...

In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy discusses an overlooked challenge confronting family farms: fear. Whether you're already farming or dreaming of one day owning a farm, this conversation peels back the layers on how fear stifles succession and transition planning.

Why Discussing Fear Matters

- Fear is undermining family farms inch by inch, acre by acre, globally.
- In the world of succession planning, it's not just ...

The trades are more than just a career path—they’re the backbone of our communities and economies. In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Beaudoin, Dean of the School of Trades & Skills at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, to explore how Olds is equipping students for meaningful, in-demand careers in the skilled trades.

With a proud history dating back to 1913 and a future-focused approach to hands-on education, Olds Coll...

When it comes to family business succession, it’s often not what we don’t know that gets us into trouble—it’s what we assume we know.

In this episode, Patti Durand joins Tracy to unpack five common (but misleading) assumptions about family business transitions—handpicked by Tracy from Chapter 3 of Patti’s book, The Future Leader: The Successor’s Guide to Family Business Leadership.

These assumptions may sound familiar… even logical...

In this solo episode, Tracy tackles one of the biggest questions facing farm families today:Why do farm founders get stuck in transition?

She breaks down the four most common reasons founders resist or stall the process (From Heather Veneer’s book)—and shares practical insights to help families move forward with clarity and confidence.

Tracy also shares what she’s currently reading and gives you a sneak peek into two exciting upcom...

David Hamblin, a farmer and seed retailer based in Morris, Manitoba, brings a dual perspective to our product spotlight conversation on hybrid rye.

In this episode, we explore his experience with hybrid rye, his retail business, and insights into grain marketing opportunities through the KWS Cover+ program.

🎧 Episode Highlights

- Farming Operation & Hybrid Rye Experience
David shares the story behind his family farming operation a...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Court Merrigan, Agricultural Broker & Consultant at LandVest, to explore the evolving landscape of agricultural real estate across the United States. With a broad understanding of land use, commodity trends, and investment outlooks, Court brings a 360-degree view of what’s shaping rural land markets in 2025.

🔎 What We Cover in This Episode:

- Court’s Background & Real Estate Footprint
L...

In this insightful episode of The Impact Farming Show, host Tracy Brunet sits down with JP Gervais, Vice-President & Chief Economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), to discuss the highly anticipated 2024 FCC Canadian Farmland Values Report.

Each year, this report provides critical insights into farmland value trends across the country—and this year’s findings do not disappoint. JP unpacks the key highlights, regional trends, and what ...

In this week’s episode, Tracy sits down with journalist and author Brian Reisinger to discuss one of the most pressing — yet overlooked — issues in agriculture today: how farmers continually get caught in the crossfire of government policy, global trade, and economic upheaval.

Brian is the author of the powerful book Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer, which traces the ...

In this week's episode, Tracy chats with Percy Hoff, Diesel Injection Technician and Owner of DSG Power Systems, about the critical role diesel fuel additives play in maintaining the performance and longevity of diesel engines—especially on the farm.

Percy brings decades of expertise and a deep passion for diesel technology, and in this conversation, he breaks down what farmers really need to know to protect their engines and avoid...

In this week’s episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy speaks with Damian Mason on “The Next Farm Crisis: Tariffs, Trade Wars, Land Bubbles, Oversupply & Deglobalization.”

Does history repeat itself?  Well, it may not repeat itself exactly, but our current economic environment is showing many similarities to the farm crisis of the 1970s and 1980s.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation. 

Conversation Time Stamps

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In this week’s episode, Tracy sits down with Josée Lemoine from Farm Lending Canada to explore “Alternative Agriculture Lending Solutions for Canadian Farmers.” 

They discuss how Farm Lending Canada is partnering with traditional lenders and farm advisors to provide vital financing options when farmers need them most.

Whether you're a farm advisor or a producer seeking lending flexibility, this episode offers insights that could tr...

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Tracy reconnects with long-time friend of the show, Gerry Friesen – also known as The Recovering Farmer. Gerry has spent years sharing his personal journey with mental health, and today, he joins us to discuss the profound impact of opening up, especially through his latest milestone: publishing his first book.

A year after its release, Gerry reflects on what inspired the bo...

In this Product Spotlight episode, Tracy sits down with Dan Bolton from KWS Seeds Canada to dive into key spring considerations for hybrid fall rye growers across the Prairies. As the crop begins to break dormancy, evaluating winter survival becomes critical for ensuring a strong, productive season.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

About Dan & His Role at KWS:

Dan introduces himself and shares insights into his work with KWS Se...

In this engaging conversation, Kristin Demoranville and Tracy discuss their favorite food memories, the journey into beef farming, and the challenges faced by modern farmers. They delve into the impact of media on public perceptions of agriculture, the importance of succession planning, and the critical role of cybersecurity in the farming industry. The emotional toll of farming, the disconnect between consumers and farmers, and th...

In this week’s episode, Tracy is rounding out her series of solo episodes reflecting on and weaving together the insights shared by so many incredible voices in agriculture.

With so many great conversations, Tracy wanted to take a moment to pause, gather the main points and pull them together in several easy to consume episodes for the audience.

After hosting a wide range of thoughtful guest conversations, she’s hitting pause to hi...

In this week's episode, Tracy chats with Tom Hickey from Farm Lending Canada about "Hobby Farm Mortgages." 

Until recently, there has been a significant gap in mortgage options between residential homes and agricultural lending, leaving those wanting to buy their dream hobby farm without a suitable mortgage. 

Are you thinking of purchasing your ideal country property? Are you a lender or mortgage broker?

If so, you won’t want to mi...

In this Product Spotlight, Tracy, host of The Impact Farming Show, chats with Clem Collet—a partner at West End Tire and a farmer from Manitoba—about the importance and process of tire section repair for agricultural equipment. Clem dives into the significant cost-saving benefits of repairing tires instead of replacing them and how this repair method helps keep farming operations running smoothly...

In this episode, Tracy sits down with Robb Nelson, the CEO of Farm Lending Canada, to discuss how their company is making a significant impact on Canadian agriculture by providing alternative financing solutions for farms. 

Robb shares his insights on the challenges farmers face in today’s economy and how Farm Lending Canada is offering much-needed support to those in need of alternative lending options.

Key Topics Discussed

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