Your Ag Empire

Jonathon Haralson & Holly Haralson

5.0 (9)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
UPDATED WEEKLY

Your Ag Empire is the no-BS podcast for farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals who are ready to rethink the business of agriculture. Hosted by Jonathon and Holly Haralson, we dive into real conversations about profitability, sustainability, and innovation—without the fluff. If you’re a changemaker in ag, this is where you belong. New episodes drop weekly.

6D AGO

64. Global Ag Perspectives with Pete Debus

In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, host Jonathon Haralson sits down in Auckland, New Zealand, with Pete Debus, Director of PrincipleFocus based in New South Wales, Australia. Despite being an ocean away, Debus reveals Australian producers are facing the same volatility, succession struggles, and margin compression as their American counterparts. He shares his philosophy on moving from "rearview mirror" accounting to forward-looking navigation, the necessity of treating the farm like a high-value corporate entity, and why "having a crack" (taking risks) is essential for survival. In this episode, we cover: Most accountants just tell you what happened in the past (the rearview mirror). To thrive in modern agriculture, you need financial partners who act as navigators, helping you forecast, budget, and look through the windshield to change the numbers going forward.With land values skyrocketing in both Australia and the U.S., the "holy grail" for a professional farm business should be a 5% return on assets (EBIT). Achieving this requires moving beyond basic production and implementing rigorous business management standards.A farmer has two primary jobs: to build a viable, thriving business, and to successfully hand it over. If the patriarch hasn't stepped out of the way by age 70 to let the next generation drive, they likely never will—turning a succession plan into merely an estate plan.If high-quality talent walks past your gate, hire them immediately, even if you don't think you can afford it. Great people pay for themselves by bringing new energy and ideas that allow the owner to stop working in the business and start working on it.To facilitate fair succession without burdening the farm with debt, families need to start investing in off-farm assets early. Building wealth outside the operation provides a "wash" that allows non-farming siblings to be compensated while the farm stays intact. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Episode Sponsor Figured Website: https://www.figured.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/figuredapp Connect with Guest Pete Debus Website: https://principlefocus.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-debus-7bb92b15/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrincipleFocus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principlefocus/ Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

46 min
FEB 18

63. Making Insurance Work Harder for Your Operation

Fresh from the Empire Ag Elite Retreat in San Antonio, this episode features Jacob Little of Crop & Range Insurance delivering a masterclass on navigating the current landscape of government programs and risk management. Jacob cuts through the "alphabet soup" of the Farm Bill, offering a straight-shooting look at how changes to payment limits and entity structures can directly impact your bottom line. He also challenges producers to rethink their relationships with service providers, warning that blind loyalty in a tight margin environment is a luxury you cannot afford. In this episode, we cover: Recent changes mean members of LLCs and C-Corps now receive their own payment IDs. With the limit bumped to $155,000 per program, operations that previously capped out need to review their structure to ensure they aren't leaving valid dollars on the table.The link between crop insurance and FSA elections has been severed. If a decision makes financial sense for insurance, do it. If a different decision pencils out for FSA, do that. Treat them as separate business moves.If you run cattle and don't have a relationship with the FSA, get one. Programs like LFP (drought) often trigger eligibility for ELAP (transportation/feed assistance), but you have to be in the system to collect.Being "married to a memory" puts you at a competitive disadvantage. Whether it is a seed dealer or an insurance agent, ensure your partners are actively earning your business every year. If they aren't bringing new ideas to the table, open-mindedness toward a competitor might save the farm. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Jacob Little Website: https://cropandrange.com/Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087121105405)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@cropandrange) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

18 min
FEB 11

62. Love and Leverage in Ag

In a surprise solo appearance, Empire Ag CFO Holly Haralson takes the mic for a candid Valentine’s Day conversation that has nothing to do with flowers or chocolates. Holly digs into the complicated relationship between producers and their operations, exploring how deep love for the land can sometimes blind us to the hard decisions necessary to save it. From navigating bankruptcy to facing tough succession talks, Holly challenges listeners to redefine what "loving well" looks like in agriculture—moving from destructive loyalty to wise, strategic action. In this episode, we cover: True love for an operation isn't just about holding on at all costs. Sometimes, the most loving thing a producer can do is file for Chapter 12 bankruptcy, diversify revenue streams, or have the difficult succession conversation to protect the family’s future.When a producer’s entire identity is wrapped up in the farm, financial struggles feel like personal failures. Holly emphasizes that you are not the land, and separating your self-worth from the operation is critical for making clear-headed business decisions.There is a difference between "pride dressed up as loyalty" and building a sustainable legacy. Loving well means recognizing when old patterns are destroying the family dynamic and choosing to pivot, even if it feels like a betrayal of tradition.Building an empire requires protecting the marriage amidst the stress. Holly shares how she and Jonathon balance their different strengths—his visionary agricultural roots and her systems-thinking healthcare background—to ensure the business doesn't consume their relationship. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

13 min
FEB 4

61. Bankruptcy, Profitability, and the Reality of 2026

The agricultural economy is tightening, and the strain is revealing cracks in even the most established operations. In this candid, unscripted solo episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, Jonathon Haralson addresses the heavy realities facing producers right now—from Chapter 12 bankruptcies to the mental toll of financial instability. Haralson talks about the work Empire Ag is doing behind the scenes, sharing stories of clients navigating identity crises and others finding new revenue streams in a down market. The conversation shifts to the broader economic landscape for 2026, analyzing the potential for severe inflation, land value corrections, and the dangers of the "yield trap" in row crops. Haralson challenges producers to stop relying on hope or government payments that won't cover losses. Instead, he advocates for a ruthless focus on profitability, diversification into livestock, and the grit required to make hard decisions before the bank makes them for you. In this episode, we cover: Financial failure often triggers an identity crisis for producers, but a Chapter 12 filing can be a strategic tool to restructure and survive. Empathy is essential, as many neighbors are struggling with factors outside their control, such as elevator insolvencies or sudden market shifts.Chasing record bushels is a losing strategy when input costs outweigh returns. Producers must focus on net profit per acre, even if it means reducing inputs and accepting lower yields to protect working capital.While the "land never goes down" mantra is popular, historical precedents like the 1980s and recent corrections in California suggest otherwise. High interest rates and a potential dollar devaluation could lead to significant repricing in farmland.Relying solely on row crops is increasingly risky. Adding a livestock component or other cash-flowing assets can provide the liquidity needed to weather downturns in the grain markets.The disconnect between the older generation holding onto control and the younger generation needing equity is a systemic threat. Families must have difficult conversations now to avoid fighting over assets later, ensuring the operation survives the transition. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

27 min
JAN 28

60. The Banker Said "Get Out"

The financial landscape of agriculture is shifting, and for many producers, the bank is no longer a silent partner but a source of intense pressure. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, host Jonathon Haralson sits down with Jordan Morris to discuss the reality of refinancing in a volatile market and the mental toll of banking relationships gone wrong. Morris shares his recent experience of transitioning to a new lender after his previous bank unexpectedly froze his capital, highlighting a growing trend where institutions cheer on expansion one month and demand foreclosure the next. This conversation moves beyond the balance sheet to address the operational pivots necessary for survival in 2026. From the ruthless depreciation of machinery to the decision to switch from annual to monthly payments, Haralson and Morris dissect the practical moves producers must make to preserve cash flow. They also tackle the uncomfortable truths about the industry’s "yield trap," urging farmers to prioritize net profit over bragging rights at the coffee shop. In this episode, we cover: Many financial institutions are tightening their grip, pushing producers into restructuring or foreclosure even after encouraging prior expansion. Finding a partner who understands the current ag economy is critical for survival.Shifting from annual to monthly payments on land and equipment can dramatically improve liquidity and reduce interest loads, preventing the "cash poor" trap that kills operations.The days of easy trades and high trade-in values are over. With depreciation accelerating and repair costs skyrocketing, holding onto older, lower-hour machinery often makes more sense than chasing the newest paint.The "yield trap" is a dangerous game when commodity prices are low. Producers should focus on reducing input costs—like cutting nitrogen rates or seeding populations—to maximize net dollars per acre rather than chasing record yields.The stress of financial pressure can lead to isolation and depression. Building a network of peers who can offer a fresh perspective—or just listen at 3 a.m.—is essential for mental and operational resilience. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Jordan Morris: Follow on Instagram: @overdrawnjmorris (https://www.instagram.com/overdrawnjmorris/) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

46 min
JAN 21

59. The Quiet Bear: Why Agriculture Can’t Afford Silence Anymore

Agriculture has a storytelling problem. We are often silent about our work, leaving the narrative open for others to write—and usually, they get it wrong. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, host Jonathon Haralson sits down with Kirbe Schnoor, host of FarmHer and RanchHer, to bridge the gap between production agriculture and the public eye. Growing up on a California almond farm before moving into national media, Schnoor understands the grit required to keep an operation running and the nuance needed to translate that struggle to an outside audience. The episode dives into the unique pressures facing producers today—from labor laws and water rights in California to the universal challenge of generational transition. Schnoor shares why women are often the best untold story in the industry and how honest, vulnerable conversations can combat the mental health crisis plaguing rural America. This isn't just about pretty pictures on social media; it’s about taking control of the food supply narrative before someone else does. In this episode, we cover: If farmers and ranchers don’t advocate for themselves, someone else will tell their story—and often get the facts wrong. We cannot afford to be the "quiet bear" in the room anymore; we must actively shape public perception.Women in agriculture are often the best bridge to the consumer. While men are frequently conditioned to shield the family from the volatility of the markets and weather, women are increasingly taking on the role of communicator, combating isolation and opening the door for mental health discussions.Social media creates a polished, unrealistic version of agriculture that can erode confidence. Authenticity beats production value every time; the public is tired of being marketed to and is hungry for the unvarnished reality of where their food comes from.Just like in production, success in media often comes down to timing and the willingness to show up when others won’t. Whether it's starting a farm or building a platform, the opportunity exists for those willing to do the unglamorous work. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram: @iamfarmher (https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/)Dirt Diaries Podcast: (https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscriptionBook Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

1 hr
JAN 14

58. The Empathy Gap: Why Bootstraps Won’t Fix a Broken System

American agriculture is suffering from a massive empathy gap, and it is time to stop pretending that "hard work" is the only variable for success. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, Jonathon Haralson dismantles the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" narrative, arguing that it ignores the critical role of timing and inheritance. He contrasts the reality of sixth-generation farmers operating on paid-for land with the impossible math facing first-generation producers drowning in high-interest debt. Haralson calls for an end to the "competence trap"—the false belief that struggling operations are simply poorly managed—and advocates for a unified front to address systemic issues like land access, input costs, and policy failures. This isn't about playing the victim; it's about acknowledging that the economic ladder has been pulled up, and until the industry admits the playing field isn't level, we will continue losing good operators to a broken system. In this episode, we cover: Hard work is universal in agriculture, but outcomes are often determined by timing and historical advantages (like the Homestead Act or cheap land prices) rather than individual effort.There is a dangerous divide between established multi-generational farms and beginning operators; the former must acknowledge their "inheritance advantage" rather than attributing their stability solely to superior management.High interest rates, inflated input costs, and stagnant commodity prices mean that business models that worked in the 1970s are mathematically impossible for new entrants in the 2020s.High suicide rates and family breakdowns in ag are symptoms of a rigged economic game, not a lack of grit or competence among producers.Solving the crisis requires policy reform on credit and land access, not just better budgeting advice or platitudes about working harder. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

30 min
JAN 7

57. The Tax Conversation Nobody Wants to Have

Most producers dread January because they attempt to compress a year’s worth of financial data into three weeks of chaos. This episode dismantles the traditional "shoebox of receipts" panic and replaces it with a structured, year-round workflow designed specifically for agricultural operations. Host Jonathon Haralson argues that effective tax preparation begins on January 2nd, the previous year, not weeks before the deadline. He illustrates how a proactive system saves thousands in penalties and missed deductions while preserving mental energy for producers. The discussion outlines a practical "Three Bucket" method for managing documentation, mandating immediate receipt capture and quarterly financial check-ins rather than annual autopsies. Haralson explains how to vet financial partners who understand the nuances specific to agriculture, ensuring the relationship drives profitability rather than just compliance. By shifting the financial workload from an emergency sprint to a consistent routine, producers can make calculated business decisions based on accurate data rather than deadline pressure. In this episode, we cover: Treating financial documentation as a seasonal event forces producers into emotional, high-stakes decisions under duress, whereas consistent tracking allows for calculated adjustments throughout the fiscal year.Chaotic records carry a quantifiable cost, ranging from compounding failure-to-file penalties and accrued interest to substantial missed deductions for equipment use and mileage.The "Three Bucket" Method: This system organizes financial duties into three distinct categories—immediate receipt capture via digital tools, quarterly trajectory reviews with a financial partner, and December consolidation—to ensure data remains clean and accessible.An effective financial relationship requires a professional who comprehends agricultural specificities, such as lumpy cash flow and depreciation schedules, rather than a generalist focused solely on filing returns.Consistent financial tracking functions as a crucial business tool, allowing operators to evaluate structural changes—such as S-corp elections or major capital purchases—with accurate numbers well before the fiscal year concludes. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our website Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker Mentioned in this episode: Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more. Empire Financial Services

24 min

5

out of 5

9 Ratings

Your Ag Empire is the no-BS podcast for farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals who are ready to rethink the business of agriculture. Hosted by Jonathon and Holly Haralson, we dive into real conversations about profitability, sustainability, and innovation—without the fluff. If you’re a changemaker in ag, this is where you belong. New episodes drop weekly.

Creator

Jonathon Haralson & Holly Haralson
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

67
Rating

Clean
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© Copyright 2025 Empire Ag, LLC.
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Your Ag Empire

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