The Farmer's Greatest Asset Podcast

Send us a text

Jesse 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 be...

Send us a text

Jesse 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...

Send us a text

Farm 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 c...

Send us a text

May 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
• ...

Send us a text

We 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 h...

Send us a text

We 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 ha...

Send us a text

We 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
• Takin...

Send us a text

We 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 an...

Send us a text

Steve 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...

Send us a text

We 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...

Send us a text

We 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 properl...

Send us a text

Beck'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.

• Spr...

Send us a text

Wrestling 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 retu...

Send us a text

The 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 
• ...

Send us a text

Our 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 
•...

Send us a text

This 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 medic...