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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
• Extensive companion planting with herbs and vegetables to enhance flavor and deter pests
• Growing tomatoes, peppers, berries, green beans, and many other crops for self-sufficiency
• Completion of field crop planting season with successful soybean establishment
• Experimenting with electroculture using copper wires to harness atmospheric energy for plants
• Discussion of the Mitochondriac Manifesto and the importance of connecting with the earth
• Benefits of grounding (walking barefoot) for releasing negative energy from the body
• Using plant trimmings to create natural foliar feeding solutions
• Summer plans for hay making, county fairs, and preserving the garden harvest
• Upcoming wellness trip to Okoboji Wellness Clinic

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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 creates physical symptoms like back pain and sleep disruption
• Farmers struggle with delegation because they want everything done their specific way
• Effective communication requires explaining not just what to do but why it matters
• Farm kids experience both the rewards and stresses of agriculture intensely
• The pressure to continue multi-generational farm legacies creates significant mental burdens
• Farmers consistently undervalue their own time and expertise compared to other professionals
• Children are statistically likely to leave farming if they only see stress and constant work
• Taking time for family and personal wellness must become a priority
• "The work will always be there, but your kids may not"

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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
• Naming your stresses through journaling, prayer, or conversation decreases their power over you
• Human connection is essential medicine—reach out to friends or family regularly to combat isolation
• Movement and physical activity improve mental health even if it's just getting out of the tractor to stretch
• Real food from the farm (protein, vegetables, fruits) stabilizes energy levels better than processed convenience foods
• Intentional breathing practices like box breathing (4-second inhale, hold, exhale, hold) reduce stress instantly
• Focusing on purpose and practicing gratitude helps maintain perspective during challenging times

Share this episode with five friends who might benefit from these mental health strategies. If there's something you'd love for us to talk about on the podcast, reach out anytime at farmersgreatesasset@gmail.com.

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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 helps prevent conflict and preserves relationships during transitions
• Next-generation farmers benefit from gaining outside experience before taking on full farm responsibilities
• Non-farming heirs should understand options beyond selling inherited land
• Keeping farmland in the family can provide long-term investment benefits versus a one-time sale
• Documentation and facilitated conversations help families work through difficult succession planning topics

Go share it, like it, leave us a comment, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify or wherever you're listening. Send us a note at farmersgreatesasset@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you and the workbook is now available. So if you want to have a place to put the farmer's brain on paper, order the workbook. It's available on our website, thefarmersgreatesasset.com, and don't forget, it's a good day to have a great day.

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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 happening to me?" to "what am I learning from this?" shifts your perspective
• The faster you can stop ruminating on problems and start seeking solutions, the better
• Having a supportive partner or friend who can help pull you out of negative thought patterns is crucial
• We're building a community specifically for agricultural families to provide support and growth opportunities
• Face challenges like a buffalo – head-on into the storm – rather than avoiding them

Please reach out to us at farmersgreatestasset@gmail.com to share what you'd like to hear about or problems you'd like solutions to. Go give us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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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
• Taking a quick family weekend getaway during planting season led to better mood and productivity
• Our kids had a phone-free weekend at the lake, experiencing "good boredom" that fosters creativity
• Modern farming efficiency with high-speed planters has doubled productivity and improved crop stands
• Field meals now focus on nutritious options instead of processed foods
• Jesse's emotional milestone of completing a challenging hike in Yellowstone after hip replacement
• Introduction of "The Farmer's Greatest Asset" workbook to document farming knowledge and procedures

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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 and energy drinks) with plain water
• Consider a home water filtration system to remove heavy metals and contaminants
• Create complete darkness in your bedroom by removing all light sources
• Maintain a sleep-friendly environment with temperatures below 69°F
• Stop caffeine consumption after lunch to prevent sleep disruption
• Expose your face to morning sunlight to help regulate your circadian rhythm
• Understand that physical symptoms like fatigue often stem from dehydration
• Recognize the connection between gut health, inflammation, and nutrient absorption
• Start implementing these habits now - your body can rebuild itself within a few years

Send us an email at farmersgreatesasset@gmail.com with your questions or topics you'd like us to cover. If you've received value from this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help other farmers discover this information.

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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 helping others are powerful tools for maintaining perspective during hardships
• Look for the small daily blessings - they're everywhere when you're watching for them
• Marketing strategy: "hit singles instead of home runs" by selling incrementally when prices exceed production costs
• Avoid the dangerous cycle of "greed, hope, and despair" by selling on the upward climb
• Focus on faithfulness rather than success - it's a meaningful distinction that transforms everything
• Creating space for the next generation to lead while providing support builds stronger families and communities
• Equipping children with social skills and responsibility prepares them for adulthood and independence

If you like what you heard or want to hear more, subscribe, like, share, or email any suggestions to farmersgreatesasset@gmail.com.

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