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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Scott Thayer’s journey took him from Wyoming to California, Texas, and beyond during his 20+ year career with the FDIC—always working his way back to the family ranch. Now retired and home for good, Scott shares stories of ranch life, career pivots, and the quiet leadership that’s made him a cornerstone in both his family and community. A thoughtful, grounded conversation with a lifelong friend who has turned into family.

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In this episode, we hear from Dan McCarty, a fourth-generation Coloradan with deep roots in the cattle industry. Dan shares stories about his family's history in agriculture, going all the way back to his great-grandfather, a medical doctor who also speculated on farmland. Dan also talks about his unlikely friendship with Terry, how they met through the National Cattleman's Beef Association, and some of the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. From discussing the challenges of managing large-scale operations in the high desert of Western Colorado to the importance of land stewardship and sustainability, Dan offers a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth perspective on the realities of ranching today. You won't want to miss his insights on navigating intergenerational transitions in agriculture and his level-headed advice for the next generation. So, give it a listen!

Join us as we discuss...

• Dan's family's involvement in the cattle industry in Colorado for four generations, with his great-grandfather starting as a medical doctor who also invested in farmland
• How older generations play a crucial role in passing down knowledge and traditions in ranching, especially regarding risk tolerance and lessons learned from past economic hardships
• Modern operations face challenges such as federal land issues, wolf reintroduction, and water scarcity, requiring ranchers to adapt and plan for the future
• Sustainable practices, like matching resources to cattle and implementing grazing management plans, are essential for responsible land management
• How despite the challenges, there are still many opportunities in agriculture for both those who grew up in it and those who didn't, but a business or finance background can be a major asset

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In this episode of Advancing the Legacy Podcast, we hear from Kaitlin Houck, a fifth-generation rancher from the Flint Hills of Kansas. Kaitlin shares her deep connection to her family's land and their long-standing tradition of raising registered Angus and Simmental cattle. We learn about the family's commitment to education, with Kaitlin proudly following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather as a Kansas State University graduate. Join us as Kaitlin discusses the intricacies of their cow-calf operation, their innovative approaches to genetic improvement, and the enduring values that guide their ranching legacy.

Join us as we discuss:

• Kaitlin's background as a fifth-generation rancher in the Flint Hills of Kansas and her work alongside her father and grandfather
• Their registered Angus and Simmental cow-calf operation and their unique phone bid-off system for selling bulls
• The adoption of embryo transfer technology to accelerate genetic improvement within their herd and expand their fall calving program
• The importance of low-stress cattle handling on horseback, a cherished tradition passed down through generations
• Their comprehensive range management practices, including prescribed burning and targeted weed control, to maintain the health and productivity of their Flint Hills pastures

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Pull up a chair and join us for a real conversation with Robbie LeValley from the beautiful LaValley Ranch in Western Colorado. Robbie shares her story of life on the ranch, the ups and downs of keeping a multi-generational operation going, and her special friendship with the one and only Terry Fankhauser. We dig into everything from figuring out who gets the land next to embracing newfangled gadgets, all while keeping those important ranching traditions alive. Get ready for some honest talk, helpful insights, and maybe a chuckle or two about life out on the range.

Join us as we discuss:

• Robbie introduces her Colorado ranch and her Wyoming ranching roots, highlighting sustainability and future planning.
• She discusses the challenges of passing down the ranch and their current strategies for their son, Ross.
• Robbie explains how they blend ranching traditions with modern tech like virtual fences and soil sensors.
• She shares insights on multi-generational teamwork, communication, and empowering the next generation.
• Robbie offers her perspective on key issues facing ranchers and the vital role of young advocates.

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We're diving into the world of Terry Fankhauser, a seasoned voice in the beef industry known for his straight talk about ranching, legacy, and the hard work it takes. Get ready for insights into passing down traditions, navigating industry challenges, and why asking questions is key.

Terry is a rancher with deep agricultural roots. He shares his views on ranching's evolution, succession planning, and adapting to modern agriculture while preserving traditional values.

Join us as we discuss:

• Terry’s family's long history in ranching and the importance of passing down practical skills and responsibilities to future generations.
• The complexities of succession planning, emphasizing the balance between family involvement and ensuring the operation's success.
• The importance of values like quality work and land stewardship, and how they should be passed to future generations.
• Regulatory challenges facing ranchers, particularly environmental regulations, and the need for proactive participation in policy.
• Terry’s perspective on sustainable ranching and the importance of adapting to new technologies while maintaining agricultural traditions.