))
The Farmer's Greatest Asset podcast is dedicated to supporting and empowering farmers by recognizing that their greatest assets are the knowledge, experience, mind and health. Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Jesse and Dr. Leah, this podcast combines their unique backgrounds to provide valuable insights. Together, they explore topics that help farmers thrive both personally and professionally. Tune in for a blend of practical advice, real conversations, while having a little fun along the way ...
…
continue reading
1
All Things Fair: Hair Products & Heifery Attitudes
30:59
30:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:59
Send us a text We 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…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Summer 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…
…
continue reading
Send us a text In 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 s…
…
continue reading
1
Coffee on the Porch: Haymaking, Mindset, and Green Beans
24:31
24:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:31
Send us a text Jesse 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 a…
…
continue reading
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
The Rhythm of Rural Life: Planting and Growing Together
24:08
24:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:08
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. • Installatio…
…
continue reading
1
The Work Will Always Be There, But Your Kids Will Not
24:58
24:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:58
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, preparatio…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 fa…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 upd…
…
continue reading
1
Hydration and Sleep: Two Non-Negotiables for Health
32:58
32:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:58
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 maintai…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Acres: Learning to Listen in Tough Times
35:20
35:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:20
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Faith, Family, and Farming: How One Farmer Built a Multi-Generational Operation
39:02
39:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:02
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 vari…
…
continue reading
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 nitro…
…
continue reading
1
Soil Health, Root Structure, and Spring Planting Decisions Will Define Your Season
45:38
45:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:38
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 structu…
…
continue reading
1
Children Leaving the Family Farm: A Parent's Emotional Journey
37:45
37:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:45
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 bet…
…
continue reading
1
The Farmer’s Health is the Key to Farm Success
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00
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…
…
continue reading
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 p…
…
continue reading
1
Why Your Greatest Asset Might Just Be You!
16:37
16:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:37
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 pr…
…
continue reading
