Pioneer Mindset: The Fertilizer Audit: Stretching Your Biggest Input Dollar
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Reference: Podcast Corner
Episode 115: The Fertilizer Audit: Stretching Your Biggest Input Dollar
April 20, 2026 | Pioneer Mindset Podcast | with Garrett Ruskamp
Fertilizer can represent 10 to 20% of total input costs and yet many operations are still running the same rates, with the same suppliers, year after year without questioning whether that money is actually working as hard as it could be. In this week's episode, I dive into some figures within our own operation and how smarter agronomy, supplier shopping, and efficiency-focused thinking can add up to real, meaningful savings.This episode challenges you to find just 5 to 10% improvement in your own operation.
In this week's episode on cutting fertilizer costs:
- Start with better soil data
- Use an independent agronomist
- Shop multiple suppliers
- Poor man's variable rate technology
- Book fertilizer in the fall
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Welcome to Pioneer Mindset! A podcast for rural ag business owners who want to challenge their mindset and address the discomfort in their business and personal lives by finding clarity resulting in bold conviction. Your host, Garrett Ruskamp, is a 5th generation farmer, husband and father from rural Nebraska. In the last 10 years of farming, he has experienced many challenges that business owners face on a day to day basis that stem from disorganization and being financially unaware. He understands the weight of uncertainty that comes from operating in a state of mind triggered by these struggles. Join Garrett as he shares his journey of the struggles he's faced in agriculture as a farmer and family man. He will dive into honest conversations to tackle the mindsets surrounding these issues, that will ultimately help you gain control leading to a profitable and sustainable business.
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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!
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