Cliff Polk: The Cost of Silence

In this episode, we sit down with Cliff Polk of Rocky Mountain Financial Group to discuss the critical but often overwhelming topic of estate and succession planning for agricultural families. Cliff explains how his team streamlines the planning process by gathering essential information upfront, making it easier and more efficient when families meet with their attorneys.

We dive into the biggest challenges facing farming and ranching families as they approach retirement, including the tough realities of how operations can often only support one family and the importance of planning for siblings who may have moved off the farm.

Cliff shares cautionary tales about what can go wrong without proper communication and planning, including a story about a Nebraska family whose lack of clear arrangements led to the forced sale of their ranch. He contrasts this with a success story from eastern Colorado, where open communication and clear agreements helped keep the family united and the operation thriving.

We also explore the expectations of the younger generation taking over, the importance of honest conversations, and practical tools like estate equalization and life insurance to ensure fairness, even when “equal” isn’t necessarily fair.

Finally, Cliff offers insight on major industry challenges today — from environmental pressures to animal rights activism — and stresses the need for a united voice in agriculture to educate the public about sustainable and responsible ranching practices.

Key Topics Covered:

• How Rocky Mountain Financial Group streamlines estate planning
  
  
  
• Starting the planning process without overwhelm
  
  
  
• The importance of early and clear communication in families
  
  
  
• Real-life examples of succession planning gone wrong and right
  
  
  
• Managing family expectations around inheritance
  
  
  
• Life insurance and estate equalization as planning tools
  
  
  
• Industry challenges: environmental and animal rights issues
  
  
  
• The need for a coordinated agricultural voice and public education

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Robert and Shari Kurtz: Family Beyond the Fences

In this episode, we sit down with Robert and Shari Kurtz, lifelong farmers from east-central Kansas, to talk about what it means to steward both land and legacy. Shari, the only sibling of Terry — whose memory and impact inspired the podcast — brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. Together, they reflect on a family shaped by farming, resilience, and strong bonds.

Robert shares stories from his grandfather’s era, when cotton and sheep were part of the farm’s experimentations, and how that pioneering spirit continues today through conservation practices and cover crops, always balancing ideals with the realities of modern agriculture.

Shari offers heartfelt insights on raising farm kids and grandkids, highlighting how children learn not just by teaching but through observation and participation. The couple discusses the challenges and joys of passing down traditions while navigating change, and the importance of sharing their story to build greater understanding about farm life.

From kids make-believe ranching with toy calves to physically helping with chores, the Kurtz remind us that farming legacy is as much about family and character as it is about the land.

Key Topics Covered:

• The long view: multi-generational farming and its influence on decision-making
  
  
  
• Balancing conservation goals with financial realities
  
  
  
• How children learn life lessons naturally on the farm
  
  
  
• Tradition, transition, and technology in agriculture
  
  
  
• Overcoming misconceptions about farming through storytelling
  
  
  
• The role of family humor and close relationships in farm resilience

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Brett Datteri’s roots run deep in the beef industry—even without working on a ranch full-time. In this episode, we talk about how he's passed on agricultural values to his kids, his work within the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and the deep friendship he shared with Terry. A story of loyalty, purpose, and the many ways to make a difference in agriculture.

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