Ep. 110 You Cannot Outperform Your Self-Image: Why Your Identity Determines Your Results

Send us Fan MailCan family farms and ranches be both profitable and sustainable while building a lasting legacy for future generations?In this episode of the Profitable Steward Podcast, Jared Sorensen sits down with Dr. John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri, to explore the connection between farm profitability, regenerative agriculture, sustainable farming, and responsible land stewardship.Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Ikerd shares valuable insights on the challenges facing family farms, financial resilience, agricultural policy, and why true success in farming goes beyond the bottom line.🌱 Key Takeaways:Profitability and Stewardship Go Hand in Hand: Learn why financial sustainability is essential to protecting the land, supporting your family, and preserving your farming way of life.Build a Resilient Farm Business: Discover how strategic diversification, financial planning, and long-term thinking can help farmers and ranchers manage risk and improve profitability.Create a Legacy for Future Generations: Understand why true stewardship means caring for today's resources while creating opportunities for future generations to thrive.🚜  Are you ready to make your farm or ranch more profitable without buying more land, adding more debt, or working harder?The Profitable Steward Accelerator helps established producers uncover hidden profit, master their numbers, and build a business their family can be proud to inherit.👉 Apply here: https://app.agsteward.co/apply#ProfitableStewardPodcast #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #FarmProfitability #RanchManagement #FamilyFarming #LandStewardship #FarmBusiness #FarmLegacy #AgriculturalEconomics #FarmDiversification #ProfitableStewardJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailWhen something goes wrong on your farm or ranch, what do you tell yourself? "That was a bad decision," or "I'm a failure"? In this month's Profitable Steward Training, we look at why that difference matters for your business.Drawing on the principle "you can never outperform your self-image," this session shares a hard winter on a Nevada ranch and the lessons that came from it. The main takeaway is that failure is feedback, not identity.What you'll learn:How beliefs like "I'm not a numbers person" or "there's no money in ranching" shape your decisions and resultsSimple identity shifts, like adding "up to now" to a limiting statement, and moving from "worried provider" to "faithful steward"A 3-step exercise to try this week:1. Name one limiting belief you've been carrying2. Define who you need to become to build the business and life you want3. Choose one action this week that proves that new identityKey takeaway: Your past doesn't determine your future. The farm or ranch you want to build may need more than a business plan. It may need a new picture of who you are.Are you ready to make your farm or ranch more profitable without buying more land, adding more debt, or working harder?The Profitable Steward Accelerator helps established producers uncover hidden profit, master their numbers, and build a business their family can be proud to inherit.Click this link to apply.#ProfitableSteward #AgSteward #ProfitableRanching #FarmProfitability #RanchManagement #FarmBusiness #RanchingLife #FarmAndRanch #AgriculturalLeadership #FarmMindset #RancherMindset #FaithfulStewardship #GenerationalFarming #FarmLegacy #RanchProfitability #Agribusiness #FarmFinancialManagement #MindsetMatters Jump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to build a profitable ranching business while protecting the land, supporting local producers, and strengthening regional food systems?In this episode of the Profitable Steward Podcast, Jared Sorensen sits down with Cole Mannix, founder of Old Salt Co-op and a fifth-generation rancher in Montana’s Blackfoot Valley. Cole shares how his family’s ranching legacy inspired him to build a cooperative that connects ranchers, workers, and consumers while creating more value for the people who produce our food.Cole discusses the challenges of building a regional meat business, the importance of regenerative land stewardship, and how Old Salt Co-op is working to create a more resilient food system. He also shares practical lessons on ranch succession planning, family governance, and helping the next generation take the lead without losing sight of the family’s values.If you’re a rancher, agricultural entrepreneur, or family business owner, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a business that can thrive for generations.Learn more about Old Salt Co-op and its work:🌐 Website: https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/🎪 Discover the Old Salt Festival: Experience a three-day celebration of land stewardship, local food, live music, ranching, and community. Explore festival details and updates here: https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/pages/festival#ProfitableSteward #ColeMannix #OldSaltCoop #OldSaltFestival #RegenerativeAgriculture #RegenerativeRanching #RanchManagement #FamilyRanchSuccession #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSystems #LandStewardshipJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jared Sorensen sits down with soil expert Matt Powers for a deep dive into regenerative agriculture, soil health, and how farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders can drastically lower overhead costs by moving away from synthetic NPK fertilizers.Matt shares his incredible personal journey from music to regenerative farming, breaks down the science of redox poise, and explains how to leverage universal endophytes (like Effective Microbes and lactic acid bacteria) and mycorrhizal fungi to unlock the rich nutrient bank already beneath your feet. Whether you manage perennial grasslands or annual row crops, this episode is packed with practical farm math and actionable steps to help you restore your soil and increase profitability. 🔑 Key Takeaways Lower Input Costs: Learn how to transition away from synthetic NPK fertilizers and reduce overhead by utilizing cover crops, crimpers, and natural biology. Harness Soil Microbiology: Discover the power of universal endophytes, effective microbes (EM), lactic acid bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi to unlock existing nutrient banks in your soil. Verify with Data: Empower your farm with practical DIY tools, soil microscopy, and total digestion tests to prove what works for your specific bioregion..  🔗 Connect with Matt & Explore Resources Matt's Soil Science Courses & Book: www.regenerativesoilscience.com The "Our Soil" Virtual Event & Community: www.r-soil.com#RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #Microbiology #Farming #TheProfitableStewardJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailCan a small farm triple its revenue without hiring more workers? Megan Neubauer did it by rethinking how she sells her produce!In this episode of the Profitable Steward Podcast, host Jared Sorensen sits down with Megan to explore how her pick-your-own farm transformed a struggling market garden into a profitable, customer-focused business.Discover how regenerative agriculture, direct-to-consumer sales, and a simple business model can help farmers reduce labor, build loyal customers, and create meaningful connections between people and their food. They also discuss farm profitability, agritourism, soil health, and the importance of land stewardship.🚜 If you're a farmer, market gardener, or aspiring farm business owner, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you grow a more profitable and regenerative operation.#ProfitableSteward #RegenerativeAgriculture #FarmProfitability #Agritourism #MarketGardening #FarmBusiness #LandStewardshipJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailWhat if profitable ranching starts with working with nature instead of against it?In this episode of the Profitable Steward Podcast, Jared Sorensen sits down with South African rancher, regenerative agriculture educator, and consultant Ian Mitchell-Innes for a wide-ranging conversation about holistic management, regenerative grazing, livestock performance, soil health, and ranch profitability.Ian shares lessons from decades of managing a roughly 5,000-hectare ranch in South Africa, including how changing his approach to grazing transformed his land, livestock, and economics. After learning holistic management, Ian stopped burning grass, concentrated his livestock, increased stock density, and began managing his herd by observing what happens in nature.5 Key Takeaways:Let nature do the heavy lifting — Work with natural processes instead of relying on high-input systems.Focus on livestock performance — Healthy, productive animals can drive both ecological improvement and profitability.Use grazing strategically — High stock density, frequent movement, and taking “one bite off most plants” can keep plants growing and productive.Breed for your environment — Ian explains why “form follows function” and why locally adapted animals can reduce the need for inputs.Keep ranch management simple — Observe, plan for different scenarios, and make decisions based on your land, livestock, weather, and available resources.If you're interested in regenerative ranching, holistic grazing, cattle management, soil health, and agricultural profitability, this conversation is worth a listen.#RegenerativeAgriculture #HolisticManagement #RegenerativeRanching #GrazingManagement #RanchProfitabilityJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailWhat Ranchers Must Change Now—or Regret in 10 Years | Joel Salatin’s 7 Decisions for Building a Ranch That ThrivesWhat will separate the farms and ranches that thrive over the next 10 years from the ones that struggle—or disappear?In this conversation, I sit down with Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm to talk about the decisions farmers and ranchers need to be making RIGHT NOW if they want to build profitable, regenerative businesses that can last for generations.Joel challenges some of the conventional thinking in agriculture and shares practical lessons from decades of building Polyface Farm.We talk about:• Why being a great producer is no longer enough• The importance of thinking like an entrepreneur—not just a producer• Why farmers and ranchers need to get closer to the customer• Creating more value instead of simply producing more commodities• Stacking enterprises and finding opportunities already sitting on your land• Building profitability without sacrificing stewardship• Preparing your farm or ranch for the next generation• Why some agricultural businesses will thrive over the next decade while others struggleOne of the biggest questions we explore is this:Are you simply building a farm or ranch that your kids CAN inherit—or are you building one they would actually WANT to inherit?That distinction matters.At AgSteward, we believe profitability, stewardship, and family legacy don't have to compete with each other. Done right, they strengthen each other.Our mission is to help family farmers and ranchers build highly profitable businesses, regenerate their land, and create a legacy worth passing on.Learn more about AgSteward and aply to work with ushttps://agsteward-accelerato.vibepreview.app/survey\If this conversation helped you, subscribe to the channel and share it with another farmer or rancher who needs to hear it.#JoelSalatin #RegenerativeAgriculture #Ranching #Farming #FarmProfitability #RanchProfitability #RegenerativeRanching #PolyfaceFarm #AgSteward #FamilyFarm #FarmLegacyJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailWhat can growing up on a ranch teach us about resilience, faith, hard work, and creating a more meaningful life?In this episode of The Profitable Steward Podcast, Jared Sorensen sits down with Ruthe Hage, founder of Luxe Coaching, for a meaningful conversation about personal growth, faith, mindset, stewardship, and intentionally designing the life you want.Ruthe shares lessons from growing up on a large Nevada ranch and how those experiences shaped her perspective on responsibility, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. She also opens up about navigating a major personal transition after nearly 30 years of marriage and the role faith, gratitude, mentorship, forgiveness, and personal growth played in moving forward.In this episode, they discuss:Resilience & Life Lessons: How growing up on a ranch shaped Ruthe's work ethic, perspective, and approach to life's challenges.Faith & Personal Growth: Finding strength through faith, gratitude, forgiveness, mentorship, and learning to move forward during difficult seasons.Mindset & Designing Your Life: Breaking limiting thought patterns, asking “What would I love?” and taking intentional action toward the life you want.Stewardship & Wellbeing: Creating balance across work, relationships, finances, health, self-care, and the responsibilities we have toward others and the world around us.At the heart of the conversation is the idea of stewardship — being intentional about how we care for ourselves, our relationships, our work, our communities, and the resources entrusted to us.Connect with Ruthe HageLux Coaching: www.luxcoaching.lifeRuthe works with clients remotely and offers complimentary vision workshops for those who want to explore what's possible in their next chapter. She can also be reached through social media.#ProfitableSteward #RutheHage #LuxeCoaching #PersonalGrowth #Stewardship #Faith #Mindset #EntrepreneurshipJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailWhat if ranch profitability isn’t just about producing more cattle, but about knowing when to buy, sell, replace, and manage your livestock inventory?In this practical conversation, Jared Sorensen sits down with Wally Olson and Brian Munger of Ranching.fyi to explore Sell➧Buy Marketing, profitability, value, flexibility, and making better business decisions when market conditions change.Sell➧Buy Marketing: Learn how strategically buying and selling livestock can create opportunity and improve ranch profitability.Value & Inventory: Understand appreciation, depreciation, replacement costs, and the true value of your cattle inventory.Changing Conditions: Explore how to manage livestock, feed, and capital during droughts, high feed costs, and changing cattle markets.Better Decisions: Wally and Brian share years of experience helping ranchers think differently about marketing and recognize opportunities.Know Your Options: The goal isn’t to predict what happens next. It’s to understand your operation well enough to recognize opportunity and make thoughtful decisions when it matters.Connect with Ranching.FYI:🌐 www.ranching.fyi#SellBuyMarketing #RanchProfitability #CattleMarketing #Ranching #CowCalf #RanchManagement #CattleBusiness #TheProfitableStewardJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Profitable Steward Podcast, host Jared Sorensen sits down with Jared Luhman, a farmer, rancher, and host of the Ranching Returns podcast, to explore what it really takes to build a profitable, low-input, regenerative farming and ranching operation.Jared Luhman shares the story of his family's farm in Southeast Minnesota and how generations of learning, experimentation, and strategic decision-making have shaped their approach to regenerative agriculture, grazing management, cattle genetics, and farm profitability.5 Key Takeaways:* Profitability vs. Cash Flow — Why positive cash flow doesn't always mean a farm is truly profitable.* The True Cost of Farming — How land, labor, capital, and opportunity costs can change how you evaluate your operation.* Smarter Grazing Strategies — Using corn stalks, cover crops, bale grazing, and seasonal livestock to reduce feed costs and extend grazing.* The Right Cattle for the System — Why low-input genetics and a tighter calving window can improve herd efficiency and profitability.* Making Regenerative Agriculture Pay — Why the financial case can be one of the strongest ways to help producers embrace regenerative farming practices.Connect with Jared Luhman:📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: 507-271-5968🎙️ Podcast: Ranching Returns#ProfitableSteward #JaredSorensen #JaredLuman #RanchingReturns #RegenerativeAgriculture #RegenerativeRanching #FarmProfitability #RanchProfitability #GrazingManagement #SoilHealth #Cattle #Ranching #SustainableAgricultureJump over to YouTube to catch the video of this and all podcast episodes.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpLUbiwmZtkszQAjdtlO8ZQiJjgrYGr1x