Episode Summary

In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I sat down with Landon Schafer to break down the biggest crop insurance updates heading into 2026. With increased premium support, expanded Beginning Farmer benefits, ARC/PLC flexibility, and stronger ECO/SCO options, this isn't a year to auto-renew coverage. It's a year to intentionally evaluate your risk, your cost of production, and how your insurance strategy supports your revenue and marketing plan.

In this week's episode about crop insurance we dive into these key factors:

• Premium support increased — many producers may see lower per-acre costs in 2026.
• ECO & SCO up to 95%% support — making county-level coverage more affordable than ever.
• Beginning Farmer benefits extended to 10 years with enhanced premium discounts.
• ARC/PLC flexibility improved, including higher reference prices and dual-benefit opportunities for 2025.
• Revenue protection > yield protection — insurance decisions should align with your financial strategy, not just bushels.

Resources & Links:

• To learn more about how I can help you achieve financial clarity and confidence through essential tools and systems, check out my free training here!

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp
• Follow on TikTok - @garrettruskamp
• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary

We are back this week with part 2 of my conversation with Matt Griggs on farming for resilience! We continue to dive deep into making decisions that strengthen your operation for the future and generations to come.

Resources & Links:

• To learn more about how I can help you achieve financial clarity and confidence through essential tools and systems, check out my free training here!

Connect with Matt:

• Follow Matt on Facebook
• Follow Matt on YouTube
• Follow Matt on Tik Tok
• Griggs Farms Website

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp
• Follow on TikTok - @garrettruskamp
• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary

Hard seasons have a way of forcing clarity.

In this episode of Pioneer Mindset, I sat down with fifth-generation farmer Matt Griggs to talk about some of the pivotal moments that reshaped his operation.From unexpectedly taking over the farm at 25, to surviving devastating droughts, to completely rethinking how he farms in order to reduce risk and build long-term resilience.

We dive into how cover crops, reduced tillage, and a systems-based mindset helped Matt improve weed control, increase water infiltration, build organic matter, and weather drought years far better than in the past — all while lowering dependence on chemical inputs.

This conversation is about evolving, staying curious, and making decisions today that strengthen your operation for tomorrow.

Whether you're navigating weather challenges, financial pressure, or simply wondering how to look to the future on your farm, this episode offers honest perspective on what it really takes to build resilience.

Resources & Links:

• To learn more about how I can help you achieve financial clarity and confidence through essential tools and systems, check out my free training here!

Connect with Matt:

• Follow Matt on Facebook
• Follow Matt on YouTube
• Follow Matt on Tik Tok
• Griggs Farms Website

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
• Follow on Facebook - Garrett Ruskamp
• Follow on TikTok - @garrettruskamp
• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!