A Farmer’s Greatest Asset: Capturing The Power of the Farmer's Mind
How Record-Keeping & Farm Management Transformed Midwest Wagyu Beef with Jesse Steffensmeier
Practical strategies for improving farm efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
In this week’s Farm4Profit podcast episode, we sit down with Jesse Steffensmeier of Midwest Wagyu Beef to dive into a critical—but often overlooked—pillar of successful farming: record-keeping and farm management.
Jesse and his wife Leah aren't just running a farm; they’re building a legacy rooted in faith, family, and farming. With their transition from conventional agriculture to raising premium American Wagyu cattle, they’ve gained a unique perspective on balancing operational efficiency with business growth. Their insights are invaluable for farmers looking to improve financial clarity, streamline operations, and plan for long-term success.
The Power of Farm Record-Keeping
Proper farm record-keeping can be the game-changer your operation needs. Jesse explains how tracking everything—from daily operations and equipment usage to field conditions and farm finances—can lead to better decisions, increased efficiency, and higher profitability. Whether you're managing a row crop farm, a livestock operation, or both, staying organized is essential.
Their upcoming farm management workbook will be a must-have tool for farmers who want to:
Track income and expenses in real time
Monitor equipment maintenance and depreciation
Document crop input applications and yields
Stay ahead with seasonal planning tools
This practical resource is designed with farmers in mind and emphasizes ease of use—no advanced tech skills required.
From Traditional Farming to Farm-to-Table
The Steffensmeiers made the bold move from traditional row-crop farming into the farm-to-table Wagyu beef business. They share what drove that decision, how they built their direct-to-consumer model, and what it takes to succeed in today’s value-added agriculture market.
Their story is proof that with the right mindset, support system, and tools, farmers can evolve and thrive in a changing industry.
Building a Supportive Farming Network
Jesse emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong farming network—people who offer encouragement, share resources, and celebrate your wins. He credits much of their success to connecting with others who share their vision of sustainable and profitable farming.
Don’t Miss This Episode!
Whether you’re a new farmer, a seasoned ag professional, or looking to expand into regenerative farming, this episode is packed with farm business tips, heartfelt stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to build something meaningful from the ground up.
🎧 Listen now on Simplecast
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