- 79
- Episodes
- 12
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2023
- First episode
- 28K
- YouTube views
About Your Ag Empire
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.
- Publisher
- Jonathon Haralson & Holly Haralson
- Category
- business · business · business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 1 Nov 2023
- Latest episode
- 23 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
79 episodes in the feed.
23 Sept 2026
The Farmer's Fight: Breaking The Silence On Mental Health
In this deeply personal conversation, ag media personality Kirbe Schnoor opens up about the hidden struggles facing farming families across America. Growing up on an almond farm in California's Central Valley and now hosting Farm Her and Ranch Her on RFD-TV, Schnoor has witnessed both the triumphs and tragedies that define rural life. From her family's own experiences with the highs and lows of agriculture to the stories she encounters while traveling the country, this episode tackles the mental health crisis in agriculture head-on. Schnoor discusses the unique pressures facing multi-generational farms, the isolation that comes with farming life, and how women often become the emotional backbone of agricultural operations while dealing with their own identity struggles. This isn't just about telling agriculture's story—it's about acknowledging the very real human cost of feeding America and the urgent need for more honest conversations about mental health in rural communities. In this episode, we cover: Mental health challenges in agriculture are intensified by generational pressure and isolation. Multi-generational farms carry the unique burden of not wanting to be the generation that loses great-grandpa's farm, creating enormous psychological pressure that other industries don't face. Combined with the isolating nature of farm work, this creates a perfect storm for mental health struggles. Women in agriculture often bear the emotional load while maintaining their own identity. Farm and ranch wives frequently serve as the emotional support system for their spouses while simultaneously managing household responsibilities, helping with business operations, and often sacrificing their own identity in the process. This dual burden requires recognition and support. Communication breakdowns between farm couples compound stress and isolation. Male farmers and ranchers often try to shield their spouses from business stresses, leading to communication gaps that prevent couples from working through challenges together. Open, honest dialogue is essential for family mental health. Agriculture faces unique external pressures that affect mental well-being. From regulatory challenges and labor law constraints to water restrictions and land consolidation pressures, farmers deal with variables beyond weather and markets that most other industries don't face, creating additional stress layers. Authentic storytelling is crucial for building understanding and support. Media representation of agriculture must show both the beautiful and difficult realities of farm life. Honest stories that don't shy away from discussing struggles, failures, and mental health challenges are essential for building genuine support and understanding from both within and outside the agricultural community. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Kirbe Schnoor: Instagram: @iamfarmher (https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/ (https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/)) Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/ (https://www.facebook.com/IAmFarmHer/)) Dirt Diaries Podcast: (https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/ (https://dirtdiaries.captivate.fm/)) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempire (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/ig) Follow on Facebook (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/facebook) Subscribe on YouTube (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/youtube) Follow on LinkedIn (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/linkedin) Follow on TikTok (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/tiktok) Check out our website (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/website) Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/elite-mastermind) and how to become a member Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/stockguard) Join The Dirt (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/the-dirt) email subscription Book Jonathon (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/speaker) 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 (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/financial-services)
9 Sept 2026
How First-Gen Farmer Gavin Spoor Built His Empire with Popcorn and Persistence
Gavin Spoor represents the new generation of agriculture—first-generation farmers who are building empires from scratch in a world where most inherit their operations. Starting with just six rented acres in Northeast Missouri, Spoor has grown to farm 2,000 acres of row crops and specialty popcorn, proving that you don't need legacy land to create something significant. In this conversation, Spoor shares how he leveraged social media to build both his farming operation and his direct-to-consumer popcorn brand, the challenges of rapid growth without generational guidance, and why he believes opportunity still exists for young farmers willing to work for it. From rebuilding old equipment to navigating the balance between ambition and sustainability, this episode explores what it really takes to build an agricultural empire in the modern era. In this episode, we cover: Rapid growth requires skill development to keep pace, or it becomes dangerous. Spoor emphasizes that while he's been blessed with significant growth opportunities, the biggest challenge has been ensuring his education and skill set keep up with the expansion. Young farmers often can't say no to opportunities, but growth without proper preparation can lead to serious problems. Equipment strategy should prioritize function over flash for first-generation farmers. Spoor advocates for investing in a quality sprayer for timely applications while being more conservative on combines. He successfully rebuilt a 50-year-old planter with modern technology for a fraction of new equipment costs, proving that smart upgrades can deliver performance without breaking the bank. Social media can be a legitimate business tool, not just entertainment. Spoor built his entire operation through strategic use of social media, documenting his journey from six acres and creating invested followers before he even had product to sell. Multiple land opportunities came through social media connections, proving its value beyond just brand building. Specialty crops can provide higher margins but require different skill sets. Spoor's popcorn operation involves direct-to-consumer sales, food-grade processing, and careful harvest techniques that are completely different from commodity production. While more profitable, specialty crops demand additional expertise in marketing, packaging, and logistics. First-generation farmers have advantages that legacy operations don't. Without family expectations or inherited debt, first-generation farmers have the freedom to innovate, pivot quickly, and take calculated risks. Spoor notes that if he fails, he's only losing what he built himself, which removes some psychological pressure that can paralyze generational operations. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Guest Gavin Spoor: Website: (https://www.spoorfarms.com/ (https://www.spoorfarms.com/)) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@thepopcornfarmer (https://www.tiktok.com/@thepopcornfarmer)) Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/gavin_spoor (https://www.instagram.com/gavin_spoor)) AcresTV: (https://www.watchacrestv.com/dirtpoor-season1 (https://www.watchacrestv.com/dirtpoor-season1)) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempire (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/ig) Follow on Facebook (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/facebook) Subscribe on YouTube (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/youtube) Follow on LinkedIn (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/linkedin) Follow on TikTok (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/tiktok) Check out our website (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/website) Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/elite-mastermind) and how to become a member Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/stockguard) Join The Dirt (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/the-dirt) email subscription Book Jonathon (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/speaker) 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 (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/financial-services)
26 Aug 2026
74. From Toy Tractors to Real Risk: A First-Generation Farmer's Journey to Building an Empire
Jordan Morris represents a new breed in agriculture: the first-generation farmer who's building something from nothing in an industry where most inherit their start. From playing with toy tractors as a kid in Iowa to running Midwest Feeders LLC and helping producers manage risk through innovative cattle coverage programs, Morris has carved out his place in agriculture through grit, relationships, and a willingness to embrace both opportunity and failure. In this conversation, Morris opens up about the realities of custom cattle feeding, the importance of risk management tools like LRP and LGM, and how joining Empire Ag has expanded his vision for what's possible. He also shares the personal side of farming—balancing the demands of building a business with being present for his five boys and staying grounded through the inevitable ups and downs of agricultural life. In this episode, we cover: First-generation farmers face unique challenges but bring fresh perspective to agriculture. Morris started with negative $19,000 in equity in 2013 and built his operation from scratch. Unlike generational farmers who inherit land and relationships, first-gen operators must build everything—from credit to customer networks—while learning the business in real time. Risk management isn't optional in today's high-stakes cattle market. With feeder cattle costing $2,200-$2,400 per head compared to $700-$900 just a few years ago, producers need tools like LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) and LGM (Livestock Gross Margin) insurance to protect against market volatility. These subsidized programs allow farmers to set price floors and protect margins without limiting upside potential. Success in agriculture depends heavily on relationships and customer service. Morris built his custom feeding operation by personally knowing every customer and being available when they need him. In an industry where reputation travels faster than trucks, maintaining trust and delivering consistent service separates successful operators from those who struggle to fill their facilities. Being present for family requires intentional choices, not just good intentions. Morris learned early in his parenting journey that working longer hours doesn't necessarily create better outcomes. He now prioritizes involving his five boys in the operation when possible and making their activities as important as his business commitments. Having a support network and mentorship transforms both business and personal outcomes. From his early mentor Pat Hammes who trusted him with a tractor, to joining Empire Ag's community of farmers, Morris credits his growth to relationships with people willing to share knowledge, provide accountability, and offer guidance during challenging times. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with guest Jordan Morris: Instagram: @overdrawnjmorris (https://www.instagram.com/overdrawnjmorris/ (https://www.instagram.com/iamfarmher/)) Connect with Your Ag Empire: Follow on Instagram @youragempire (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/ig) Follow on Facebook (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/facebook) Subscribe on YouTube (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/youtube) Follow on LinkedIn (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/linkedin) Follow on TikTok (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/tiktok) Check out our website (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/website) Resources & Links: Learn more about the Elite Mastermind (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/elite-mastermind) and how to become a member Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/stockguard) Join The Dirt (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/the-dirt) email subscription Book Jonathon (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/speaker) 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 (https://your-ag-empire.captivate.fm/financial-services)
Who has been a guest on Your Ag Empire
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- Gavin Spoor
- Alex Lowery
- Haley Davenport
- Lesley Kelly
- Holly Haralson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- YouTube views
- 28,406
- Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 11 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 51
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 72
- Engagement
- 32
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