The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Dwayne Faber is a Twitter star who earns his living as a dairy farmer in Washington state. We talk about the Ag economy, the future of commodity production, money, and family. We also delve into social media and the finer points of comedy. Two ADHD dairy guys getting funny on this episode of The Business of Agriculture!

You hear me talk a lot about Ag's ability to reap bigger profits by breaking the commodity mindset. Socially conscious branding is an excellent opportunity to do this. If you watched the Super Bowl - or even if you didn't - social consciousness was on display with several commercials. Take for example, Anheuser - Busch, who devoted two spots to the brewer's work at providing clean water to people in need. Why does this matter to you, and Agriculture in general? Because affluent consumers such as ours in North America spend money to feel good about doing global good. And we're not taking advantage of this marketing opportunity. Give this a listen and I'll give you some ideas on how we can!

From government, to cause groups, to well - intentioned foodies, seems everyone is out to control food and agriculture. Jayson Lusk, author of "The Food Police: A Well -Fed Manifesto about the Politics of Your Plate" joins me to talk about the various food forces. Topics: why soda taxes don't make fat people skinny, should there be federal dietary nutritional guidelines (we disagree on this!), the perils of Ag's reliance on the school lunch program, and disruptive trends in food and agriculture. Besides writing books about food, Jayson Lusk is also the head of the Agricultural Economics department at Purdue University. I asked him what Ag schools are doing to combat the anti - Ag forces that weren't as well weaponized a few decades ago. ** We made this a two part podcast. Enjoy!

From government, to cause groups, to well - intentioned foodies, seems everyone is out to control food and agriculture. Jayson Lusk, author of "The Food Police: A Well -Fed Manifesto about the Politics of Your Plate" joins me to talk about the various food forces. Topics: why soda taxes don't make fat people skinny, should there be federal dietary nutritional guidelines (we disagree on this!), the perils of Ag's reliance on the school lunch program, and disruptive trends in food and agriculture. Besides writing books about food, Jayson Lusk is also the head of the Agricultural Economics department at Purdue University. I asked him what Ag schools are doing to combat the anti - Ag forces that weren't as well weaponized a few decades ago. ** We made this a two part podcast. Enjoy!

Chips, fries, hash browns, baked, scalloped, and lets not forget tater tots. In this episode, I talk taters with Matt Hemphill of Potatoes New Brunswick. Yep, that's one of the Maritime Provinces just east of Maine and Canada's third biggest producer of spuds. We eat potatoes but how familiar are we with this amazing tuber? Did you know a lot of potato farmers get 25- 30 tons of spuds per acre? Did you know China is now the number one producer of potatoes. Did you also know Asia is discovering what we did long ago - that French Fries are delicious? Pop a cold beverage and fill a plate with your favorite potato product because we're talkin' taters!

Agriculture is changing. To protect the legacy and lifestyle we love so much, we must address the business side of farming. While farmers are amazing at production, there are other complexities. Issues of size, scale, input management, legalities, managing employees, and keeping a handle on financials, for example. Jim Raftis, with Family Farms Group is my guest. FFG works with member teams — independent family farms. Acting as coach, consultant, and information resource, FFG help farmers strengthen their weaknesses. Loads of takeaways on how to improve your Ag enterprise and keep up the legacy!

We in Agriculture have a tendency to run for the exits screaming "fire!" when faced with a bit of price adversity. In this episode I tell you why the Ag economy slowed down, why it's normal, and why you should still be excited about the future. American Ag ingenuity will continue to create high quality, value added products an increasingly affluent global middle class demands. We're talking trade, money, farm land, regulation, consolidation, and what all this means for you. Super cycles like we experienced from 2005-2013 are the exception, not the norm. Welcome to Ag Normal!

PART 2 OF 2 Real estate is the biggest capital asset we in Agriculture have. So what's happening with Ag land? Who's buying, who's selling and for how much? Are investors out bidding farmers for dirt? Is there going to be an Ag land meltdown? Is farm land still a good investment? Should you manage your own farm land or hire a professional? Howard Halderman of Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management joins me for an informative 2 part series covering a lot of ground. A lot of ground, get it?

PART 1 OF 2 Real estate is the biggest capital asset we in Agriculture have. So what's happening with Ag land? Who's buying, who's selling and for how much? Are investors out bidding farmers for dirt? Is there going to be an Ag land meltdown? Is farm land still a good investment? Should you manage your own farm land or hire a professional? Howard Halderman of Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management joins me for an informative 2 part series covering a lot of ground. A lot of ground, get it?

Agriculture is a family business. But what happens when there's a death, divorce, dispute, or default? Who is the manager? Where does the money come from? And how will you keep things from blowing up between the personalities involved? Jolene Brown, farmer, speaker, and family business consultant joins me to discuss the personal, professional, and legal aspects of a family Ag biz. Want to keep your family financially solvent and still speaking to one another after a disruption or death? Listen to this episode for great advice on setting up a thriving family biz. As Jolene says, "A conversation is not a contract."

Are we treating our soil like dirt? In some ways yes. Agronomist Jodi DeJong-Hughes, regional educator in crops and soils with with University of Minnesota Extension joins me. We talk about the evils of tillage, soil health, and provide recommendations on what Ag can do to enhance your land. For example, did you know a 1% increase in organic matter increases water holding capacity by 27,000 gallons per acre? Listen and learn what you can do to enhance soil — it's Ag's most valuable asset!

Dennis Haugen is a North Dakota farmer who ran a side business cleaning grain. In 1995 a 50- car train derailment on his farm sparked another business venture: salvage work. Mr. Haugen still farms but his business has grown into various other endeavors. He has his own trademarked radish brand for cover crop mixes and his company, General Grain, handles salvage jobs all over North America. What happens when a barge of distillers grain catches on fire en route to New Orleans? Or an entire ship of fraudulently labeled organic grain from Ukraine is left to rot on the dock in Baltimore? That's where Dennis comes in. In The Business of Agriculture you've gotta look for the next opportunity. This is an interesting and inspirational listen!

When I was a kid, we went to the co-op every week to get our feed ground. The highlight for me was a bottle of ice cold Choc-ola from the vending machine! Much has changed for the cooperatives serving farmers since then, just as much has changed in Agriculture. They've merged, expanded, and renamed, but co-ops still serve Agriculture. In this episode I talk to Stan Feekes, general manager of Farmers Co-Op Society for perspective on the past, present, and future of this unique aspect of rural American agricultural development.

When Ford or Google advance humanity through technology, we hail their progress. So, why is innovation in food production treated differently? I sit down with Ag entrepreneur, businessman, and authority on genetic engineering in Ag, Rob Saik. We have a spirited, and informative talk about: the environmentalism of GMOs, how The Non-GMO Project proliferates ignorance via "butterfly bullshit," and Rob's assertion that we're entering the era of Agriculture 5.0.

There's an issue that all businesses in all industries face: Do you sell what you're good at making or do you make what you can sell. The day I recorded this podcast a genetics company publicized a pig they'd developed with 24% less fat. But the marketplace didn't ask for a low fat pig. Well heeled consumers are paying premiums for pork with more fat. Why? Because we spent several decades breeding the fat out of pigs during the era of "low fat" food marketing. When the fat left, so did the flavor and moisture. Joining me to talk about meat, flavor, and food innovations that sell is food author, steak lover, and all around foodie, Mark Schatzker.

Environmentalism is the latest weapon deployed by those who seek control over what people eat while putting animal agriculture out of business. One of the biggest arguments against meat, milk, and eggs is resource usage and management of manure. Jeramy Sanford, Nutrient Separation Specialist with GEA joins me to talk about the future of manure. We also talk money, nutrient management, and appealing to environmentalism in Animal Ag.

The cost of compliance with burdensome regulations makes American Ag less competitive in world markets. Federal regulations and EPA overreach effect all of us in agriculture but farms in California face greater scrutiny. My guest is Eric Bream, California citrus grower, olive producer, and voice of the opposition. We discuss why it won't be the price of crops that puts farmers out of business — it'll be the price of regulation!

What areas of employment in Ag are hot? Where is the glut? What skills are employers craving in new hires? How do you set yourself apart from the competition to land your dream job? Tim Hammerich of Agri-Associates joins me to talk professional opportunities in Ag and much more. He should know, he's a professional recruiter. He's also a podcaster — "The Future of Ag"— which I've been a guest on twice, a former grain merchandiser, and past president of the National FFA. This episode offers advice and insights for everyone in Ag, from employers to job seekers to entrepreneurs.

My guest is Jack Britt, a scientist, teacher, entrepreneur, and prior to all that, Dr. Britt was a professor for 40 years. Jack is also a consultant and speaker to the Business of Ag, so I brought him in to discuss public misconceptions the general public has about farming. Why the masses think family farms are dying, the mistaken belief farms are going away, or that farms are tearing out timber to make crops (that's only happening in other countries!). We also discuss the Ag economy with some historical perspective and, because Jack is a dairy farm kid like me, we talk milk. Stay tuned til the end, Jack has some good advice regarding the Business of Agriculture's environmental footprint.

While I have issues with how organic food is marketed, I don't oppose organic farming or farmers. We're all involved in the same business: Agriculture My guest, Andy Ambriole of BioSteward Farms, is a sharp young man who farms 1,100 acres of organic barley, wheat, soybeans, and corn. He's also been actively engaged (sometimes enraged!) with me on social media. The organic sector expanded by 23% last year according to NASS. Let's talk organic!

We in Ag are commonly told to "improve our elevator speech." Only problem, I hate talking to people in elevators. Worse yet, we in Ag are outgunned by highly paid, trained PR staffs from cause groups such as PETA and HSUS. I bring in former newspaper editor and communication expert, Mike Perkins, to help you improve how you talk, write, listen, and communicate your message to the world.

Admit it, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. So does our industry. I cover the 5 things we in Ag do right: Production, Innovation, Conservation, Accumulation, and Family. And I discuss the 5 areas where we need improvement: Commodity Mindset, Communication, Pushing Cheap Food, Fighting Poorly, and Thinking Ag is About Us (Hint, it's not. We're a consumer business!)

My guest is Dave Pefley of Pefley Farm Equipment, one of the nation's largest auction and used machinery companies. We discuss the Ag economy. What's changed about selling machinery? Do Ag people love what they do more than the rest of humanity? Do you need a formal business plan to be successful? This episode IS NOT an update on equipment prices, it's two business guys discussing what it takes to be successful!

Land is the highest valued asset most Agricultural people possess. Therefore, it's imperative you protect it and attain a return on your investment. This includes recreational property too. In this episode I bring in friend, hunting companion, and attorney, Scott Reust. Why is trespassing on $200,000 of wooded acreage treated differently than in a similar valued vacation home? How do you protect yourself from liability? How can you profit from leasing your property to outdoorsman?

Looking for smart talk with entertaining commentary about the business of food, fuel, and fiber? You've found it. This podcast offers tips for success, ideas for self betterment, and mental stimulation for people who make Agriculture their Business. Damian Mason is an agriculturist, entrepreneur, speaker, writer, and funny man. As he says, "You don't need any more Ag people discussing weather or commodity prices, you have that information on your phone!"