Banking Secrets Every Farmer Should Know with Garrett Ruskamp
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Reference: Impact Farming
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Banking Secrets Every Farmer Should Know with Garrett Ruskamp
Farm financial stress is rising as lending conditions tighten, interest rates remain volatile, and economic uncertainty continues to impact agriculture. For many farmers, navigating conversations with lenders can feel overwhelming — but understanding how the banking system works can shift fear into confidence and preparation.
In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy sits down with Garrett Ruskamp, Founder & CEO of Pioneer Farmer, entrepreneur, farm business coach, and podcast host, to unpack the banking secrets every farmer should know. Garrett shares his personal journey into helping producers strengthen their financial foundations and explains how preparation, communication, and understanding lender expectations can dramatically reduce stress and improve financial outcomes.
Garrett dives into the realities of today’s lending environment, discusses whether loan pressures are isolated or industry-wide, and breaks down practical tools farmers can use to build stronger relationships with their lenders. From understanding the Five C’s of Creditto preparing essential financial documents, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help producers confidently manage their farm finances and make proactive business decisions.
Episode Highlights
- Garrett Ruskamp’s entrepreneurial journey and the story behind Pioneer Farmer
- What Garrett is seeing across agriculture regarding financial pressure, lending trends, and farm economics
- Are lenders calling loans or tightening credit across the industry?
- Where financial stress truly comes from when working with ag lenders
- The Five C’s of Credit explained in practical, farmer-friendly language
- Key financial documents every lender expects — and why they matter
- Additional documents that bridge communication gaps between farmers and lenders
- How preparation can strengthen lender relationships and increase financing success
- Fear vs. Purpose: What mindset will drive farmers forward in 2026
- Garrett’s words of wisdom for farmers navigating uncertainty
If you want to reduce financial stress, strengthen your lender relationships, and gain practical insight into agricultural banking, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in now to hear Garrett Ruskamp share banking strategies, financial preparation tips, and mindset insights to help you lead your farm business with confidence.
Thanks for tuning in,
Tracy
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🔗RESOURCES:
Learn more about Garrett Ruskamp and Pioneer Farmer
🌐www.pioneerfarmer.org
🔗 FREE DOWNLOAD: Transition Planning Resource Guide. Tracy shares a new free tool for listeners eager to learn more about transition planning.
🌐https://www.farmmarketer.com/impact_farming_show/free_resources
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Thank You to our Show Sponsor
Here at The Impact Farming Show, our goal is to bring our audience the people and ideas that will IMPACT their farming operation. We couldn't do it without the continued support of our sponsors that are committed to supporting our show and our shared vision of helping farmers succeed.
Please take a moment to check out this week's show sponsor: Farm Credit Canada
Make your mark
You're ready. So are we. Find your place in the industry with loan products, advisory services, and knowledge resources.
Financing and resources for the next generation of Canadian food.
Learn More: fcc.ca/youngfarmer
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About the Guest:
Garrett RuskampFounder & CEO of Pioneer Farmer
I’m Garrett Ruskamp—a 5th generation farmer, husband, dad, and someone who knows exactly what it feels like to be overwhelmed inside your own operation.
Over the last decade, I’ve lived through many of the same challenges farmers and ranchers face every day—financial stress, disorganization, and the constant pressure to keep things moving even when you feel like you’re barely hanging on.
In 2016, we expanded our cow/calf operation, but the truth was… we weren’t financially ready for it. We were working hard, but not always smart. We stayed busy working in the business and rarely took the time to work on it. Little by little, the cracks showed—cash flow tightened, unclear numbers, and decisions made with more guesswork than confidence.
It didn’t take long before the financial strain became impossible to ignore. We found ourselves leveraged, stretched thin, and stuck in that exhausting cycle of “just trying to make it to next year.” The stress didn’t just impact the operation—it hit our family too.
But that season forced growth.
Instead of avoiding the numbers, I focused on them. I learned how to read them, understand them, and use them to guide decisions. I stepped into the role of a business owner—not just a producer. And little by little, the fog lifted. Our operation became clearer, more stable, and more intentional.
That transformation is why I do what I do today.
I’m still farming. I’m still dealing with markets, weather, crops, inputs, bankers, and the daily curveballs in agriculture. And that’s exactly what allows me to help other farmers and ranchers—not from theory, but from real-life experience.
The struggles we walked through gave me a deep understanding of the financial, emotional, and operational pressure producers face. And they showed me what’s possible when you take back control with clarity, confidence, and a plan.
My mission now is simple:
Help farmers and ranchers break the cycle, gain control of their finances, and build operations they’re proud to pass on.
https://www.pioneerfarmer.org/
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* Disclaimer - As always, this information is not intended to provide business or medical advice. To ensure that your own circumstances have been properly considered and that action is taken based on the latest information available, you should obtain professional advice from qualified business or medical professionals before acting on any of the information in this post.
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The Impact Farming Show
Welcome to Impact Farming, Farm Marketer's video and audio show dedicated to helping Canadian farmers excel in the business of farming. Our goal with this show is to introduce our audience to the people and ideas that are going to make an IMPACT on their farming operation.
Show Host - Tracy Brunet
CEO of Farm Marketer
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Tracy and her husband are cattle ranchers in South East, Manitoba. As host of the show, primary producer and agvocate, Tracy is passionate about helping farmers succeed in the business of farming.
In each episode, Tracy chats with today's most successful farm advisors and industry leaders to bring our audience the best and most important ideas.
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