In this week’s episode, Tracy welcomes back a familiar guest, Heather Venenga, to discuss her upcoming book “The Bible, The Barn and the Back 40.” Known for her passion and practical approach to farm succession planning, Heather brings a fresh and faith-based perspective to one of the most challenging issues facing farm families today: how to plan for the future while preserving family harmony. Launching at the end of August, Heather’s new book offers more than just planning advice—it’s a spirit...
Jul 23, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 66
In this episode, we’re joined by Brad Crammond — a farmer near Austin, Manitoba, with a unique background as a former agronomist and retailer. Brad brings a well-rounded perspective on KWS Hybrid Rye, sharing firsthand insights from the field and from the advisory side of the business. From Agronomist to Full-Time Farmer Brad kicks things off by reflecting on what initially drew him to rye, and how his first experience with hybrid rye was a game-changer — delivering a 30 bushel per acre yield bo...
Jul 18, 2025•8 min•Season 7Ep. 65
Why Do Farm Founders Avoid Transition Planning? For this week’s episode, we are flashing back to an excellent episode from last fall. This episode is titled “Why Do Farm Founders Avoid Transition Planning,” with Terry Betker and it goes deep into why farm founders avoid transition planning. Terry draws on decades of experience working with farm founders on transition planning. He even shares some personal reflections on the topic. Why re-broadcast? Since we are doing a deep dive into transition ...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 64
In this week’s episode of The Impact Farming Show, we’re diving into the evolving world of agricultural finance with a company that’s doing things differently—Farm Lending Canada. Our theme, “Alternative Agriculture Financing Done Differently,” explores how this Canadian-based lender is helping producers across the country find new paths to capital in an increasingly complex lending environment. If you've ever struggled with traditional lending options, this is a conversation you don’t want to m...
Jul 11, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 63
In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy sits down with Heather Venenga, a financial advisor from Watertown, South Dakota, and the author of Protect Your Pack and Your Den!. They dive deep into the complexities of farm succession planning, discussing how farmers can achieve fair and equal in transition planning without risking the family legacy. Heather offers invaluable insights into the common stumbling blocks farmers face when planning for the future of their farm, including the chal...
Jul 09, 2025•50 min•Season 7Ep. 62
In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy discusses an overlooked challenge confronting family farms: fear. Whether you're already farming or dreaming of one day owning a farm, this conversation peels back the layers on how fear stifles succession and transition planning. Why Discussing Fear Matters - Fear is undermining family farms inch by inch, acre by acre, globally. - In the world of succession planning, it's not just data or logistics—it’s emotions that hold us back. - Without ackn...
Jul 02, 2025•52 min
The trades are more than just a career path—they’re the backbone of our communities and economies. In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Beaudoin, Dean of the School of Trades & Skills at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, to explore how Olds is equipping students for meaningful, in-demand careers in the skilled trades. With a proud history dating back to 1913 and a future-focused approach to hands-on education, Olds College is leading the way in trades and skills development t...
Jun 25, 2025•41 min•Season 7Ep. 61
When it comes to family business succession, it’s often not what we don’t know that gets us into trouble—it’s what we assume we know. In this episode, Patti Durand joins Tracy to unpack five common (but misleading) assumptions about family business transitions—handpicked by Tracy from Chapter 3 of Patti’s book, The Future Leader: The Successor’s Guide to Family Business Leadership. These assumptions may sound familiar… even logical. But left unchallenged, they can quietly undermine the very foun...
Jun 18, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 60
In this solo episode, Tracy tackles one of the biggest questions facing farm families today:Why do farm founders get stuck in transition? She breaks down the four most common reasons founders resist or stall the process (From Heather Veneer’s book)—and shares practical insights to help families move forward with clarity and confidence. Tracy also shares what she’s currently reading and gives you a sneak peek into two exciting upcoming episodes featuring expert guests in farm succession: 📚 Featu...
Jun 11, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 59
David Hamblin, a farmer and seed retailer based in Morris, Manitoba, brings a dual perspective to our product spotlight conversation on hybrid rye. In this episode, we explore his experience with hybrid rye, his retail business, and insights into grain marketing opportunities through the KWS Cover+ program. 🎧 Episode Highlights - Farming Operation & Hybrid Rye Experience David shares the story behind his family farming operation and how long they’ve been growing hybrid rye. He reflects on t...
May 30, 2025•14 min
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Court Merrigan, Agricultural Broker & Consultant at LandVest, to explore the evolving landscape of agricultural real estate across the United States. With a broad understanding of land use, commodity trends, and investment outlooks, Court brings a 360-degree view of what’s shaping rural land markets in 2025. 🔎 What We Cover in This Episode: - Court’s Background & Real Estate Footprint Learn about Court’s journey into agricultural real estate,...
May 28, 2025•53 min•Season 7Ep. 57
In this insightful episode of The Impact Farming Show, host Tracy Brunet sits down with JP Gervais, Vice-President & Chief Economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), to discuss the highly anticipated 2024 FCC Canadian Farmland Values Report. Each year, this report provides critical insights into farmland value trends across the country—and this year’s findings do not disappoint. JP unpacks the key highlights, regional trends, and what the data means for Canadian farmers in the current economic c...
May 21, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 56
In this week’s episode, Tracy sits down with journalist and author Brian Reisinger to discuss one of the most pressing — yet overlooked — issues in agriculture today: how farmers continually get caught in the crossfire of government policy, global trade, and economic upheaval. Brian is the author of the powerful book Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer, which traces the historical and ongoing struggles of farmers against a backdrop of...
May 14, 2025•47 min•Season 7Ep. 55
In this week's episode, Tracy chats with Percy Hoff, Diesel Injection Technician and Owner of DSG Power Systems, about the critical role diesel fuel additives play in maintaining the performance and longevity of diesel engines—especially on the farm. Percy brings decades of expertise and a deep passion for diesel technology, and in this conversation, he breaks down what farmers really need to know to protect their engines and avoid costly repairs. 🔧 In this episode, you’ll learn: How diesel fue...
May 09, 2025•18 min•Season 7Ep. 54
In this week’s episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy speaks with Damian Mason on “The Next Farm Crisis: Tariffs, Trade Wars, Land Bubbles, Oversupply & Deglobalization.” Does history repeat itself? Well, it may not repeat itself exactly, but our current economic environment is showing many similarities to the farm crisis of the 1970s and 1980s. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation. Conversation Time Stamps [0:00] - Introduction [1:40] - Is agriculture history repeating itself, ...
May 07, 2025•53 min•Season 7Ep. 53
In this week’s episode, Tracy sits down with Josée Lemoine from Farm Lending Canada to explore “Alternative Agriculture Lending Solutions for Canadian Farmers.” They discuss how Farm Lending Canada is partnering with traditional lenders and farm advisors to provide vital financing options when farmers need them most. Whether you're a farm advisor or a producer seeking lending flexibility, this episode offers insights that could truly make a difference for your farming clients or your farm. Conve...
May 02, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 52
Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Tracy reconnects with long-time friend of the show, Gerry Friesen – also known as The Recovering Farmer. Gerry has spent years sharing his personal journey with mental health, and today, he joins us to discuss the profound impact of opening up, especially through his latest milestone: publishing his first book. A year after its release, Gerry reflects on what inspired the book, how readers have responded, and what it was like to put his l...
Apr 30, 2025•46 min•Season 7Ep. 51
In this Product Spotlight episode, Tracy sits down with Dan Bolton from KWS Seeds Canada to dive into key spring considerations for hybrid fall rye growers across the Prairies. As the crop begins to break dormancy, evaluating winter survival becomes critical for ensuring a strong, productive season. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: About Dan & His Role at KWS: Dan introduces himself and shares insights into his work with KWS Seeds across the Eastern Prairies. Evaluating Your Rye Stand in S...
Apr 25, 2025•8 min•Season 7Ep. 50
In this engaging conversation, Kristin Demoranville and Tracy discuss their favorite food memories, the journey into beef farming, and the challenges faced by modern farmers. They delve into the impact of media on public perceptions of agriculture, the importance of succession planning, and the critical role of cybersecurity in the farming industry. The emotional toll of farming, the disconnect between consumers and farmers, and the need for community support are also explored, highlighting the ...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 49
In this week’s episode, Tracy is rounding out her series of solo episodes reflecting on and weaving together the insights shared by so many incredible voices in agriculture. With so many great conversations, Tracy wanted to take a moment to pause, gather the main points and pull them together in several easy to consume episodes for the audience. After hosting a wide range of thoughtful guest conversations, she’s hitting pause to highlight the key takeaways—bringing them together in a few focused...
Apr 16, 2025•39 min
In this week's episode, Tracy chats with Tom Hickey from Farm Lending Canada about "Hobby Farm Mortgages." Until recently, there has been a significant gap in mortgage options between residential homes and agricultural lending, leaving those wanting to buy their dream hobby farm without a suitable mortgage. Are you thinking of purchasing your ideal country property? Are you a lender or mortgage broker? If so, you won’t want to miss this episode. Key Topics Discussed: [0:00] - Show topic and gues...
Apr 09, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 47
In this Product Spotlight, Tracy, host of The Impact Farming Show , chats with Clem Collet—a partner at West End Tire and a farmer from Manitoba—about the importance and process of tire section repair for agricultural equipment. Clem dives into the significant cost-saving benefits of repairing tires instead of replacing them and how this repair method helps keep farming operations running smoothly. Episode Highlights: - About Clem Tracy kicks off the conversation by learning more about Clem’s ba...
Apr 04, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 46
In this episode, Tracy sits down with Robb Nelson, the CEO of Farm Lending Canada, to discuss how their company is making a significant impact on Canadian agriculture by providing alternative financing solutions for farms. Robb shares his insights on the challenges farmers face in today’s economy and how Farm Lending Canada is offering much-needed support to those in need of alternative lending options. Key Topics Discussed [0:00] - Introduction. [1:37] - Tell us more about Farm Lending Canada &...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 7Ep. 45
Episode Overview: In this week’s episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy dives deep into the TOP 10 Farm Transition Planning Mistakes that many farm founders make during this critical stage. With so many powerful conversations from the greatest minds in farm business management, Tracy draws on past transition planning episodes to provide you with invaluable insights. Farm transition planning is a complex process with numerous considerations, and many founders face concerns they don’t know how ...
Mar 26, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 44
In this week's episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy chats with Kyle Gibson, the Managing Director of Operations and Lead Broker at Agi3, about how Canadian farmers can move beyond traditional crop insurance and explore innovative, more tailored options for risk management. The conversation covers the unique offerings from Agi3, including AgriEnhance, ForwardProtect, and FarmElevate, and how these products are designed to better meet the needs of modern farming operations. Key Topics: - Who ...
Mar 21, 2025•43 min•Season 7Ep. 43
In this solo episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy dives into several important topics around farm transition planning, the common hurdles farm founders face, and a brand-new resource for listeners. In this episode, Tracy discusses: - Recap of Recent Episodes: Tracy reflects on the recent episodes of the show, including the two on fair and equal treatment (a major topic when it comes to transition planning), an episode about wills and trusts, and two interviews with individuals who help farm...
Mar 19, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 42
* Exciting Update: The interest-free portion of the cash advance has recently been increased from $100,000 to $250,000, providing even more financial flexibility for farmers. In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy sits down with Dave Gallant, Vice President of Finance and APP Operations from the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), to discuss the CCGA Cash Advance Program, a financial tool that is helping farmers navigate today's elevated interest rates. Farmers often face chal...
Mar 14, 2025•12 min•Season 7Ep. 40
In this episode of The Impact Farming Show, Tracy speaks with Vance Crowe, Founder of Legacy Interviews, about the importance of preserving your family’s stories for future generations. Vance explains how his company helps individuals and couples record their life stories, capturing memories from childhood, careers, marriage, and more. These interviews provide a lasting legacy that can be shared with future generations, ensuring family stories are never lost. Vance also shares how these intervie...
Mar 12, 2025•54 min•Season 7Ep. 39
In this week’s product spotlight, Tracy sits down with Colette Prefontaine of FP Genetics to discuss the latest in barley seed varieties and how they’re designed to benefit Canadian farmers. They dive into the specifics of these crops, the expertise FP Genetics provides, and how farmers can access the resources they need to make the best choices for their operations. In this conversation, we cover: - What makes FP Genetics’ barley varieties unique and why farmers should consider these seeds for ...
Mar 07, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 38
DISCLAIMER - This information is not a substitute for mental health or medical treatment or services. In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks to Amy Monea about all things mental health in this episode titled “Farmer Suicide: Let’s Talk About It.” In this episode, Tracy and Amy discuss: - What is the difference between mental health and mental illness? - Amy walks us through different mental health concerns, symptoms and illnesses. She shares about panic attacks, anxiety, depression, bipolar, schiz...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 7Ep. 37
