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.

  1. 62. Love and Leverage in Ag

    4D AGO

    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 a href="https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/the-dirt" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    13 min
  2. 61. Bankruptcy, Profitability, and the Reality of 2026

    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: li...

    27 min
  3. 60. The Banker Said "Get Out"

    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 a href="https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/tiktok" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

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

    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 YouTubespan class="ql-ui"...

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

    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...

    30 min
  6. 57. The Tax Conversation Nobody Wants to Have

    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

    24 min
  7. 56. Realistic Nutrition for the Rural Empire with Sheri Glazier

    12/31/2025

    56. Realistic Nutrition for the Rural Empire with Sheri Glazier

    Most producers can tell you exactly what fuel mixture their tractor needs or the precise ration for their herd, yet they run their own bodies on empty. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, registered dietitian Sheri Glazier joins Brooke Taylor to dismantle the idea that nutrition requires perfection or a Whole Foods down the street. Known as the "Dirt Road Dietitian," Glazier understands when the nearest grocery store is 30 miles away and harvest is in full swing, you need practical strategies rather than judgment. Glazier breaks down how she is bringing high-level nutrition consulting to rural America through virtual coaching. The conversation covers why traditional "food police" tactics fail in agriculture and how to fuel your body for a 16-hour workday without giving up the foods you love. Whether you are grabbing lunch at a gas station or trying to manage cholesterol during calving season, this episode provides a realistic roadmap to getting your health back on track. In this episode, we cover: You are the most valuable asset in your operation. If you remove yourself from the equation, the farm stops, so you cannot afford to treat your body worse than your equipment.Geography is no longer a barrier to specialized healthcare. Virtual coaching allows rural families to access board-certified nutritionists without driving into the city or losing half a day of work.Perfection is the enemy of progress. You do not have to eat "cardboard and bark" to be healthy; you just need to learn how to navigate real-world choices like gas station lunches or fast food.Farmers are endurance athletes who play a game that lasts 16 hours a day. You cannot perform at a high level or make million-dollar decisions with a foggy brain caused by poor fueling.Insurance often covers nutrition services. Many producers are unaware that their existing health plans may fully cover preventative dietary counseling, making it accessible regardless of the market cycle. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Sheri: Website (https://www.dirtroaddietitian.com)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/dirtroaddietitian)Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/dirtroaddietitian/) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on a href="https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/linkedin"...

    31 min
  8. 55. Building Ranches That Actually Work with Cassidy Johnston

    12/24/2025

    55. Building Ranches That Actually Work with Cassidy Johnston

    There is a distinct difference between owning land and running a business, and too many producers are blurring that line to their own detriment. Cassidy Johnston, a first-generation rancher and founder of JRC Ranch Management & Consulting, joins host Jonathon Haralson to dismantle the "this is how we’ve always done it" mindset that plagues the industry. In this episode of “Your Ag Empire” podcast, Johnston brings an outsider’s tactical perspective to multi-generational problems, arguing that treating a ranch like a lifestyle project rather than a multi-million dollar asset is a fast track to mediocrity. She breaks down why profitability is not a dirty word and why emotional attachment to tradition often becomes the biggest barrier to longevity. This conversation goes beyond cattle genetics and grazing rotation. Johnston and Haralson dig into the silent operational leaks that drain bank accounts, specifically the high cost of employee turnover caused by poor culture and housing. They also tackle the disconnect in modern agricultural advocacy, challenging producers to stop preaching to the choir and start providing actual value to consumers. Whether you are managing an inherited legacy or trying to build a foothold in the industry from scratch, this episode offers a necessary reality check on what it takes to build an operation that lasts. In this episode, we cover: Treating your operation like a lifestyle rather than a business is the quickest way to lose it. If you do not know your bottom line or have clear systems in place, you are just hoping for a good market rather than managing for profit."This is how we've always done it" is an expensive mindset. Johnston encourages producers to question every default decision, from weaning dates to salt placement, to find efficiencies that others miss.Employee turnover is a massive, often invisible cost on the balance sheet. Retaining good help usually comes down to more than just offering a paycheck.Data doesn't always have to be a spreadsheet. Qualitative data—like the condition of your pastures, the disposition of your herd, or the stress level on shipping day—are critical metrics you need to track.Modern advocacy is failing because it focuses on the producer, not the customer. Instead of just "sharing your story," focus on answering the questions the consumer is actually asking and providing value they can use. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Cassidy: JRC Ranch Management & Consulting – jrcranchconsulting.comCKJ Consulting and Communications – casskjohnston.comLinkedIn: @casskjohn (https://www.linkedin.com/casskjon) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on a...

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathon Haralson & Holly Haralson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Empire Ag, LLC.
  • Show Website
    Your Ag Empire

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