Episode 2: Navigating Tough Times
Episode 2
Finding Focus, Strength, and Resilience in Tough Time
Follow for More Inspiration:
Jack Owen’s Instagram - jack.owen.__
Jared Baldry’s Instagram - thegroundedfarmer
Books to Dive Into: You Are Not Your Farm — for insights that help farmers separate identity from their work. (Available on Amazon)
In this episode of The Grounded Farmer, Jack Owen and Jared Baldry discuss navigating tough times on the farm, caused by drought, market shifts, or uncontrollable factors.
Jack shares his approach of focusing on what’s within his control — like business fundamentals, release valves, and decision timelines — while letting go of things he can’t control, such as the weather. Both emphasise the importance of having clear information to make proactive, emotion-free decisions and avoiding reactive worry.
They talk about how unnecessary worry often stems from uncertainty, and how checking weather apps too frequently can fuel unproductive stress. Jack highlights the value of reaching out to trusted mentors for perspective. Jared supports this by noting that good mentors help guide thinking rather than prescribe solutions. Together, they underscore mindset, intentional routines, and surrounding yourself with the right people as essential tools for staying grounded during unpredictable times.
Jared notes tough times can realign passion and energy, benefiting both the farmer and their team. Jack wraps up with a three-step approach: awareness of control, seeking support, and taking small next steps toward progress.