Hay Kings

Is the hay industry better off as a "free market microcosm," or does the lack of ARC/PLC support put producers at a disadvantage? Jon Paul Driver sits down with Mike and Ryan Stefan of Stefan Hay Company for a candid look at policy parity and a radical approach to farm succession. They break down: ⚖️ The Policy Balance: A neutral look at the hay vs. row crop divide. They weigh the benefits of a "level playing field" against the heavy compliance risks of government oversight, asking if hay is stronger staying outside the subsidy system. 🔄 The 95/5 Succession: Mike shares his "magical" transition model—transferring 95% of the LLC ownership to his sons in their 20s. Why waiting until the next generation is 50 to "take over" is a recipe for stagnation. 📦 Retail Consistency: 21-year-old Ryan Stefan explains how his high-tech press is turning hay into a "grocery store" experience. In a cooling market, consistent 40lb bundles are the ultimate differentiator. 🌧️ Managing the "East": From tiling fields every 20 feet to carrying low debt, the Stefans share the high-stakes management needed to survive 50 inches of rain and "lake effect" moisture. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone — Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers 🔗 Listen at hay-kings.com

With the export market cooling off, hay is staying home—but are producers ready for the domestic shift? Jon Paul Driver welcomes back Cosmos Fitzpatrick for a boots-on-the-ground look at the 2026 domestic hay landscape. From the "Yellowstone effect" in the equine industry to the high-tech hay drying barns of the Northeast, they break down why "business as usual" won't cut it in this cycle. They cover: 📉 The 830-Load Reality: How the domestic market is moving volume without the "spikes" of previous years, and why 2026 is becoming a battle of efficiency. 🐎 The Migration Map: Understanding the seasonal shift of the equine industry and why a drought in the desert doesn't always move the needle on demand. 🏭 The Drying Revolution: How New York, Vermont, and Quebec are using advanced hay drying technology to challenge the West’s "superiority" by eliminating freight costs. 🥛 The Consistency Barrier: Why dairies want to buy dry alfalfa but often stick to silage—and how "controlling the controllables" like ash content can win back the bunk. 🚜 The Alfalfa Surge: Why we’re seeing more alfalfa acres going into the ground in the Southwest despite the market pressure, and the "next best option" logic driving it. 💼 The Nimble Advantage: Why big, bloated operations are falling while small, agile producers who know their cost of production are finding the path forward. Cosmos delivers a masterclass on navigating the "gloomy" headlines with a dose of optimism, reminding us that tough times are the ultimate filter for building a resilient business. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone — Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers 🔗 Listen at hay-kings.com

🎧 Episode 105: The $600 Million Inventory Bloodbath Jon Paul Driver sits down with Scott Courtright of Courtright Enterprises for a brutally honest assessment of the hay export crisis. They move past the surface-level talk to provide the intellectual honesty required to navigate an industry that has effectively wiped out $600 million in equity through inventory write-downs and a historic demand collapse. They cover: 📉 The $600 Million Hit: A conservative look at the massive inventory write-downs that have devastated balance sheets and redefined the Pacific Northwest market. 🚢 The "Disaster" Mechanics: How the fastest rate-hike cycle in history triggered a 40% collapse in customer purchasing power, evaporating 1 million tons of global demand. 🏭 The Machine Graveyard: Why there are 20+ export presses in the U.S. that may never turn on again—and why "overcapacity" is a terminal threat to current margins. 🤝 Intellectual Honesty: The industry-leading insight that "talking your book" is a recipe for failure; why being realistic about market conditions is the only path to the 2026 reset. 🏗️ The Asset Trap: A deep dive into the shift from double-digit appreciation to negative cash flow, and what happens to the industry when land values finally hit a wall. 🌾 Survival vs. Sustainability: From "nutrient mining" in the soil to short-term on-farm maneuvers, exploring the risks when growers are forced to sacrifice long-term health for immediate survival. 🌍 The Global Price War: How the U.S. is struggling to compete with $200 Pakistan alfalfa and the reality of international competitors growing their footprint. Scott delivers a masterclass in market realism, explaining why the current shakeout is far from over and why managing through the "hard hat" era requires a radical shift in how we view the hay business. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone — Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers 🔗 Listen at hay-kings.com

A multi-generational farm survival story isn’t just about hard work—it’s about market evolution. On the Hay Kings podcast, Mike Stefan of Stefan Hay Company joins Jon Paul Driver to explain how he transitioned from a school teacher to a premier forage producer by treating the "East Coast/West Coast" divide as an opportunity. From leveraging his "OCD" to dominate the high-stakes show-cow market to building a retail "Walmart of Hay," Mike breaks down the necessity of being a "competent neighbor" in an era of massive dairy consolidation. This episode is required listening for growers looking to diversify their operations, producers managing multi-generational transitions, and anyone navigating the complex logistics of the modern hay trade. Hosted by Jon Paul Driver Sponsored by Krone - Dedicated to Hay and Forage Growers Learn more at Hay-Kings.com

The Anderson Chapter 11 filing isn’t an isolated failure—it’s a signal. On the Hay Kings podcast, Don Schilling explains why years of distorted market signals, excess press capacity, and non-profit-driven capital reshaped the hay export industry. This episode is required listening for growers, exporters, lenders, and anyone paid by the ton. Hosted by Jon Paul Driver Sponsored by Krone - Dedicated to Hay and Forage Growers Learn more at Hay-Kings.com

🎧 Episode 102 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app Jon Paul Driver sits down with Jesse Bounds to talk about what’s next for the hay industry — from HayCon 2025 in Las Vegas to pivoting through low prices, export disruptions, and changing markets. They cover: 🌾 The vision behind HayCon and how it’s different from a typical trade show 💧 Irrigation and water challenges across the West 📈 Finance and farm management sessions planned for the conference 🚢 Global hay exports and the impact of exchange rates on profitability 💻 Technology and the launch of Hay X, a new inventory and logistics tracking tool 🤝 The power of networking in hard times Jesse shares honest, real-world insight about how growers can adapt, collaborate, and find opportunity even in tough conditions. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone — Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers 🔗 Listen at hay-kings.com

🎧 Episode 101 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app Making hay isn’t always the best decision. Dr. Carson Roberts, Assistant Professor and Forage Specialist at the University of Missouri, joins host Jon Paul Driver to unpack his controversial article: “10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay.” From skyrocketing equipment costs to oversupply, soil health, and alternative winter feeding strategies, this episode challenges assumptions and sparks fresh thinking about specialization, economics, and forage management. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone – Dedicated to Hay and Forage Growers 🔗 Listen: hay-kings.com #HayKings #FarmLife #HayFarming #ForageProduction #Krone #AgriculturePodcast

🎧 Episode 100 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app The Hay Kings Podcast hits a major milestone — 100 episodes! To celebrate, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by his niece, Avery Rowe, for a fun and personal conversation about farm life. From long, hot days on open-station tractors to mastering balers, rakes, and breakdowns, Avery shares six summers’ worth of stories from the hayfield while balancing her finance and Spanish studies at Washington State University. A perfect mix of family, lessons learned, and the lighter side of hay farming. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone – Dedicated to Hay and Forage Growers 🔗 Listen: hay-kings.com #HayKings #100Episodes #FarmLife #HayFarming #ForageProduction #Krone #AgriculturePodcast

🎧 Episode 99 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, forage consultant Daniel Olson joins host Jon Paul Driver to dissect the fallout from a disastrous first cutting in the Northeast. They explore practical, proactive steps for dairy producers including tighter harvest intervals, crop diversification, and fiber digestibility management. This is a must-listen for anyone managing forage quality under unpredictable weather. 🎙 Hosted by Jon Paul Driver 🤝 Sponsored by Krone - Dedicated to Hay and Forage Growers 🔗 Listen: hay-kings.com #HayKings #DairyConsulting #ForagePlanning #Krone #Agronomy #DairyNutrition

🎧 Episode 98 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app Alfalfa weevils are turning into a high-stakes pest—and pyrethroid resistance is making the problem worse. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erica Rodbell, Forage Research Agronomist at Forage Genetics International, and Jeffrey “Alfalfa” Jackson to dive deep into practical solutions. From regional scouting tips to insecticide rotation strategies, early cutting, and even grazing as pest control—this episode is packed with actionable insights to protect your yield and quality. #HayKingsPodcast #AlfalfaWeevil #PestManagement #ForageScience #ScoutingMatters #InsecticideResistance #KroneNA #HayAndForage #CropProtection #EntomologyInAction #FarmSmarter Sponsored by Krone – Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by logistics veteran Eric Wright of Portland Container. Together, they unpack the rhythm of global container flow, the hidden costs of just-in-time supply chains, and why parts availability matters more than ever for agriculture. From tariff shocks to warehouse trends, this episode gives hay and forage producers a strategic lens for navigating supply volatility. 🎧 Episode 97 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app #HayKingsPodcast #LogisticsMatters #AgExports #FreightDisruptions #KroneNA #TimeIsMoney #Agribusiness #HayAndForage #ContainerFlow #FarmLogistics Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

In this episode of Hay Kings, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by Eric Wright of Portland Container to break down the complex world of logistics and how it affects hay and agricultural exports. From container shortages and tariff risks to the high cost of downtime, Eric explains why time is the most valuable—and unforgiving—resource in the freight game. This episode dives deep into the challenges and choices that shape the movement of ag products around the world. ⏱ Time drives everything—from billing to shipping to harvest. 🚚 Disruptions cut into revenue and reduce asset use. 📦 Hay exports face challenges due to low container value. 💸 Fixed costs don’t stop when the press does. 🌎 Global shifts hit hard at the farm level. 🎧 Episode 96 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app #HayKingsPodcast #LogisticsMatters #AgExports #FreightDisruptions #KroneNA #TimeIsMoney #Agribusiness #HayAndForage #ContainerFlow #FarmLogistics Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

What do you do when your hay gets so sugary it turns to concrete inside the baler? Stefan Hollmann joins host Jon Paul Driver to talk about high-sugar hay challenges, frost-damaged canola, and why chamber liners are a must in South Australia. 🔥 Topics include: • Why canola hay gums up your baler • How plastic liners save time • The limits of bale density and export weight • Aussie innovations—like homemade 20-meter rakes 🌾 Whether you're fighting sticky hay or curious about global hay practices, this one’s worth a listen. 🎧 Episode 95 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app #HayKings #ForageFarming #BalingHay #Krone #HayExport #CanolaHay #ForageTech #AustraliaAg Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

On this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, host Jon Paul Driver sits down with Stefan Hollmann, a seasoned baler operator who took his skills from a family farm in Germany to the demanding fields of South Australia. Stefan shares his mastery of high-density baling in some of the world’s toughest conditions. With over 100,000 bales under his belt, Stefan offers real-world insights into machine setup, twine technology, and why pre-season maintenance is critical to success. #HayKings #AgriculturePodcast #Australia #Germany #FarmingFuture Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Mark Mendez of MMT Ag to explore the evolution of California’s hay market and the challenges facing dairies and forage producers. From falling demand to rising labor costs, Mendez offers grounded insight on surviving tight margins, building strong teams, and preparing the next generation for success. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone navigating the future of forage and feed. #HayKings #AgriculturePodcast #HayHauling #FarmingFuture Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

Join host Jon Paul Driver with special guests Jeff Jackson and Leta Larsen from Croplan for an enlightening discussion on the cutting edge of forage technology! 🚜💡 🔍 In this episode, we dive deep into why yield mapping is essential for all forage harvesting equipment and how genetic improvements like Roundup Ready and HarvXtra alfalfa impact farm productivity. 🌱 Whether you're a farmer, agronomist, or just curious about agricultural technology, this episode has something for you. Discover how embracing new technologies can lead to better farming outcomes. #HayKings #AgriculturePodcast #ForageTechnology #FarmingFuture #Croplan Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

Dive into "The Battle for Better Alfalfa," where experts Jeff and Leta from Croplan unveil strategies to conquer alfalfa yield challenges. This episode explores the urgent need for yield mapping and innovative farming techniques transforming alfalfa production. Perfect for farmers and agronomists eager to push agricultural boundaries. Tune in to fuel your passion for advancing alfalfa yields! Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. #HayKings #FarmingInnovation #Agriculture #HayEquipment Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

🚜🌾 Exciting News from Hay Kings Podcast! 🎧 Join us on the latest Hay Kings episode featuring TJ Steele, a trailblazer in hay equipment innovation. TJ shares insights from his journey of enhancing hay production tools and introduces the revolutionary Paksan baler. Dive into the challenges and triumphs of modernizing farm equipment to boost efficiency and production. Don't miss out on this captivating discussion that's shaping the future of farming! 🌱💪 Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. #HayKings #FarmingInnovation #Agriculture #HayEquipment Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com

In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, Jon Paul is joined by Joey Koebelen of Deep Sand Technology to discuss the revolutionary impact of GPS technology on agriculture. They delve into how these systems can modernize old farm equipment, significantly boosting efficiency and reducing costs. Joey shares insights on the user-friendly design of their systems, which cater to tech-savvy and traditional farmers alike and enhance productivity across various operations. Tune in to learn how GPS technology advances farming practices and makes them more sustainable and profitable. Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone, visit KRONE-na.com.

Join us on the Hay Kings Podcast as we delve into the expertise of Rob Boyle from Rock House Farms, who shares his experience in custom hay baling over 3,500 acres in Coolidge, Arizona. In this episode, Rob discusses the challenges of water sourcing, the efficiency of modern baling equipment, and strategies for maintaining high-quality forage. Discover the technical and practical aspects of achieving optimal baling cycles and moisture levels, crucial for producing premium hay. Tune in for a masterclass in hay production with one of the industry’s seasoned experts. Listen to the podcast at Hay-Kings.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Sponsored by Krone -Dedicated to Hay and Forage Producers. To learn more about Krone visit KRONE-na.com