The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Recycled freight containers turned into backyard hydroponic farms for suburbanites? Space farming to combat the perils of Earth-bound climate crisis? These are just two of the multitude of Agriculture-themed business ventures being pitched by their founders, investors and public relations consultants. The problem with these ventures: They seek to solve a problem that isn't really a problem, while the real problems Agriculture faces are left unaddressed. Damian Mason shares his thoughts on what Agricultural problems investment and innovation should tackle versus the ideas we should lose. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

The U.S. is staring down its largest Agricultural trade deficit in history. One factor in that is the amount of off-shore produce and specialty crop imports from nations with significantly lower labor costs. Jamie Clover Adams, Executive Director of Michigan Asparagus joins Damian Mason to explain why American farmers are losing out to other countries. The benefit of low prices is good for the consumer. The downside: potential loss of an industry and loss of food security. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

The demographics are actually quite staggering — we are getting old, fast. Which means our customer's dietary choices and demands are changing. Is Agriculture changing with its customers? What about the food inflation situation, with grocery prices up 25% since 2020? Todd Thurman, of Swine Insights International joins Damian to discuss economics, demographics, and opportunities shaping up amid an older customer base facing persistent food inflation. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

For six decades, American Agriculture ran a trade surplus — meaning, we sold more dollars worth of Ag products to other countries than we bought. That's changed. American Ag has run a trade deficit (bought more than we sold) four of the last six years. A record trade imbalance of $32 Billion is projected for 2024. Why is American Agriculture at a trade imbalance? Hint: Low corn and soybean prices combined with Americans' love of coffee, sugar, tequila, and avocados is part of the problem. John Newton, Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry talks trade with Damian Mason! The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Farming is a business. Complete with a lot of moving parts, huge capital investment, and low margins. Adding in the trend toward farm consolidation, those larger farms that remain are left feeling a bit isolated. What's a forward-looking farmer to do? Join a professional peer group where you get business advice, information, and feedback from other farming operations similar to yours. Chris Barron with Ag View Solutions explains how his Ag peer groups function to benefit farmers. Chris is joined by farmer, ag business owner, and peer group member Brad Downing. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Agriculture has been consolidating for almost a century. There were 6.8 million American farms in 1935, today, less than 2 million. About 160,000 of those two million American farms do the bulk of the heavy lifting, production wise, with more than 90% of farm revenue. Consolidation has been the norm in not only production Agriculture but also on the business side. From farm machinery, to genetics, chemistry, and retail, there are fewer players today than in past decades. As we head into a declining Ag income cycle, consolidations will increase, based on historical precedent. But what are the limitations of consolidation? Landus CEO Matt Carstens joins Damian Mason for a lively Business of Agriculture episode! The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Big companies have gotten bigger in Agriculture, generally by acquiring, or merging with, other companies. Consolidation in the Business of Agriculture has been going on for decades and it's likely to continue. The question is: Who benefits from consolidation in the Agriculture industry? Damian Mason asks Corteva's Jim Davis that question, amid many other frank inquiries in this very interesting discussion. This is the first release in a two part series digging into consolidation in Agriculture. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

For years Agriculture has prioritized production, transport-ability, appearance, and efficiency in the food we make. But what about nutrients? Did nutrient content of food get relegated to the back seat? Somewhat, and that's changing, as consumers demand tastier, more nutritious food. University of Florida professor, farmer, and podcast host Kevin Folta joins Damian Mason on the Business of Agriculture for an intelligent discussion about the nutrient content of food. From McDonald's to Wal-Mart, trends and preferences are evolving. The future of food and nutrition will be impacted by policy, healthcare, and consumer demand. Navigating the change is Ag's next challenge. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

The last twenty years have been very good ones — financially speaking — for American Agriculture. The last three years 2021, '22, and '23 are the highest farm income years ever in both nominal and inflation adjusted, real dollars. Now, in 2024, we face a revenue downturn. While commodity prices are OK, input prices remain elevated. This scenario is setting up a financial breakeven for producers. What does this mean for all of us and what can crafty operators do to remain financially viable? John Maman with Nutrien Financial, and Nutrien Chief Economist Jason Newton share data along with financial recommendations in this episode of The Business of Agriculture. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

In production Agriculture we tend to over manage for some pathogens — corn root worm for instance — while under managing for others such as Fusarium. Mike Tweedy with PatternAg cites his company's recent finding in a certain geography where Fusarium — a disease for which we generally under manage — caused an average of 30 lost bushels. As commodity prices squeeze farm profit margins, managing against disease loss is critical. What if you can do so proactively? Mike and Damian discuss predictive agronomics, bio-fertility, nutrient uptake, and the ineffectiveness of most crop scouting (hint: It's more an autopsy than a doctor visit!). The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Money was pouring into Agricultural startups a few years ago. What's the investment climate look like now? Damian Mason is joined by Business Transaction Attorney Max Bremer on this episode of The Business of Agriculture. They discuss money flow into Ag, the pace of mergers and acquisitions, and how legislation is pushing some consolidation. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Most people don't hold investment money in the Ag commodity space. That may be changing as investing in things like corn is made easier via ETFs — exchange traded funds. Jake Hanley with Teucrium explains the oftentimes complex commodities trading industry and how his company is simplifying — or as Damian Mason says "democratizing" — commodity investing. Whether you're looking to diversify into alternative investments or not, you should listen to this information-packed episode of The Business of Agriculture. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Fruits and vegetables have been bred over the past half century for the primary objective of transportability and shelf life. The tradeoff: taste and nutrient density. As marketplaces mature and consumers are afforded increasing food options in the produce section, might a play toward taste, nutrition, and reduced food waste be a winner? Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce thinks so. He explains his company's proprietary purple tomato (you read that right, it's purple!) and its myriad benefits — reduced food waste, novelty appeal, flavor, and above all, nutrient density. Another fun discussion with Damian Mason about food, production, and the business side of Agriculture. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Most of the fertilizer applied to fields, doesn't actually get absorbed by the plant. That's an economic as well as environmental liability for Agriculture. Technological advances in adjuvants, fertilizer amendments and biologicals aim to change farming. In this episode of The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason, Clark Bell, CEO of NanoYield talks to Damian Mason about technology that maximizes efficacy of products we already use in Ag — fertilizer and herbicide — while allowing a reduction in applied rates. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Frank Tiegs started farming in the Columbia basin region of Washington in 1975. Then he bought an apple packing facility. From there, the operation has expanded mightily to involve 140,000 acres of farming and 15 food processing facilities. Upon Frank's recent passing, his son Keith re-joined the business as president. In this episode of the Business of Agriculture Podcast, Keith talks to Damian Mason about the potato biz, specialty crop production, food processing, the business side of Oregon Potato Company, and all that goes into managing the operation. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Indiana appears poised to become the twenty-fifth state to restrict — or outright ban — ownership of Agricultural real estate by foreign entities. Many people — from both within and outside of Ag — have been calling for such legislation. Currenly, twenty four states have similar laws on the books. Generally, the legislation is directed at entities from "adversarial" nations such as China. Why did it take this long for the alarm to sound? Why has our federal government not addressed this national security concern? In this episode of The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason, Indiana farmer and state representative Kendell Culp joins Damian Mason to discuss the details of legislation he introduced to the state house. If you're concerned about American sovereignty as the pace of foreign infiltration quickens, listen to this. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

A full three quarters of farmworkers in the U.S. are migrants and many are here illegally. Add in food service, meat processing, and the ancillary industries that feed the food business and you're talking about a LOT of foreign-born workers who work to put food on America's table. Is the migrant crisis we're witnessing on our nation's southern border a crisis for Ag? Or is it a net benefit? The upside to having several million people walking into our country: Possible new pool of workers (unless they're economically un-incentivized!), new customers, and possible economic contributors (in the longer term). The downside: Criminality and a drain on resources. American Agriculture has — for a very long time — imported foreign-born workers to harvest the produce, milk the cows, and cut the meat. Is it what's happening now different? More importantly, is the current situation a crisis or a benefit for Ag? Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

In the last episode Todd Thurman joined Damian to cover a topic most in Agriculture have never considered: Are we permanently over supplied with Agricultural commodities? Pointing out the reasons demand won't outpace - or even keep up with - our productive capacity, Thurman and Mason painted a picture of long term surpluses that keep prices below break even. In this episode Todd and Damian ask "what if we're wrong and we're not Agriculturally oversupplied?" The pair look at 8 factors that might decrease global Ag production or increase demand. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

We in Agriculture love production! For example, we're producing about 50% more corn, soy, and pork than we did just a quarter century ago here in the U.S. The playbook for decades has been: find more global markets to peddle our commodities so we can keep doing what we like doing, which is producing stuff. Here's the problem — and the commodity price outlook is reflecting this — we have too much supply and demand is decelerating. Todd Thurman joins me to discuss some unpleasant realities: Population growth won't support more Ag production. Nor will increased globalization or advancing economies. Quite simply, global food production is way over-supplied and likely will be for a long time. And if we reduce food waste from the current 35% rate, it adds even more to our supply. What does the future of an oversupplied Ag system built on a "feed the world" mentality look like? Potentially "un-pretty" economic outcomes could be around the corner. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

It's setting up to be a challenging year for farm economics. Add to that: it's an election year, Washington DC is as dysfunctional as ever, and we still don't have a Farm Bill — which was supposed to have been passed last year. What's the outlook financially for farms. What about trade policy? Does renewable energy investment favor Ag? Will the U.S. government be ladling out cash to farmers by end of year? Those questions and more are addressed as Damian brings back a friend of the show, Jim Wiesemeyer, Policy Analyst for Pro Farmer and Farm Journal. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Nationally, between 30 and 40% of farmland is rented to an operator from a land owner. But how are rental rates for this hugely valuable asset class determined? Are the rental rates fair? What causes variability in values? Howard Halderman of Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management explains the math and methodology of farm cash rents. The structure, the contractual arrangements, the management, and most importantly the truth about farm cash rents….it's all in this episode! Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Kyle Beaver is a self-admitted Jack-of-all-Trades who, at age 25, turned a Google search into a mushroom business. Six years later he's refining Ten Mile Mushrooms and launched a subsidiary. The business still grows some fungus for consumption but has morphed into a supplier of ready-to-fruit substrate. That means, they sell the stuff that makes mushrooms grow to fungus farmers and hobbyists. Kyle explains the company's evolution and discusses the growth category of mushrooms. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Agricultural trade events can be a lot of fun, but are they always valuable? And who are they valuable to? Brandon Wipf, South Dakota farmer and co-chair of Commodity Classic 2024, joins Damian Mason and XtremeAg's Kelly Garrett to talk trade events. How do these two business-minded farmers get value from trade events? How can you maximize your ROI from trade events as an attendee or exhibitor? Kelly and Brandon join Ag trade show veteran, Damian Mason, for a frank discussion about traits of a successful trade event. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Blake Matthews returned to the Idaho family farming operation twenty years ago. Upon his return, he began experimenting with a new array of products and practices, including bio-nutrients. First, he used bio-nutrients to help his sugar beets bounce back after applying glyphosate. He moved on to potatoes where he has eliminated fungicide and insecticide applications entirely through the use of a biological cocktail. Blake and Darin Moon of Redox Bio-Nutrients discuss plant stress, soil, and future cropping methods that involve a lot less harsh chemistry. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

22 years ago, immediately after graduating from college AND getting married, John Carroll and his new bride flew to Brazil to start farming. John's family, with a farming operation in west central Illinois, had just purchased farm land in a newly developed Ag area of Brazil. Today John and his family are living back in Illinois but he manages the Brazil operation semi-remotely, spending about two and a half months of his year in South America. John talks to Damian about farming in two hemispheres. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

In Agriculture we generally have the perception that farmers as price takers are being short-changed as "middle men" make all the margin. While it's popular to talk about "cutting out the middle man," how realistic is it to actually happen? Ryan Moe and Todd Thurman join Damian to discuss who these middle operators are, what they do, and whether or not they can be eliminated. In an era of quickly deploying technology and rapid information availability, those in the middle have to add value or they'll go extinct. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Ag commodity marketing is too complex, largely misunderstood, and the industry is full of products and services you probably don't even need to profitably market your grain. That truth bomb — along with many more — is courtesy of Joe Vaclavik of Standard Grain. Mr. Vaclavik, a former grain trader turned commodity marketing commentator, says there are only three things a farmer needs to be profitable. Conversely, there are nine things almost no farmer EVER needs to use, including options trading, long range weather prognosticators, and exotic grain marketing contracts. Joe keeps it simple. And blunt. If you're thin-skinned, don't tune into this episode. For the rest of you in Ag, enjoy! Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Truterra truterraag.com

Interest rates appear to be stabilizing, wage and food inflation are still worsening, and predictions for America's Ag sector are a bit dour for 2024. What's going on at the macro-economic level and what does it mean for Agriculture? Compeer's Chief Risk Officer, Bill Moore, joins Damian to discuss inflation, land values, debt, the American consumer, savings accounts, interest rate pressure, price increases, and what impact all these things will have on Agriculture in the year ahead. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Cost of production set a record in 2023 as the most expensive crops ever planted. How things turned out for the P&L statement depended on weather, yield, and how well operators navigated the commodity markets. Prices for land, labor, fuel, machinery, and crop inputs aren't subsiding, nor is the interest rate for borrowed money. All this points to a challenging farm business environment for 2024. Put simply: Crop insurance and adherence to business will matter more in '24. Chris Barron with Ag View Solutions discusses farm finances with Damian. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Canada is the world's number one exporter of oats — a commodity enjoying an upswing in demand thanks to snack bars and oat milk. Did you know almost every bushel of oats goes straight to human consumption? With horse racing's decline in popularity, human oat consumption is the key to future growth. John Bergen and Riley Anderson, Manitoba farmers, join Damian to discuss oat production, exports, agronomics, and the business of oats. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Calvin Koeller's Illinois farm operation is about to lose a couple miles worth of farm land to an electrical grid expansion. This new electric line project was defeated a few years ago but, with support from the Inflation Reduction Act — and some Illinois politics — the Grainbelt Express Electric project is back on track. As currently designed, it's going to cause significant disruption for farmers like the Koellers. Calvin is joined by fellow Illinois farmer John Carroll to discuss infrastructure, eminent domain, and green policy winners and losers in and out of Agriculture. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Currently, pork profitability (or lack thereof) has certain observers comparing the industry to the late '90s when pork was in turmoil. It was that era, in fact, that set the stage for today's (mostly) vertically integrated hog production model using contact grower farmers. Adam Krause, a contract grower, joins Glenn Muller, Executive Director of South Dakota Pork Producers Council in an extensive conversation with Damian about all things pork. The topics: Exports, flavorless pigs, grandma's cooking, African Swine Fever, manure's value, contractual production critics, Proposition 12, Mexican growth, and pig rectums. Tune in!! Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

If you're in business, at some level, you're in sales. So, how exactly would you rate your sales game? Do you ask the right questions? Is your product knowledge keeping up? Do you understand the needs and problems of the customers you seek to serve? St. John ("Sinjin") Craner, a sales and marketing trainer specializing in Agriculture explains how selling has evolved and why the methods of yesterday won't work in today's Ag. Find St. John Craner at www.ruralsalessuccess.com Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

The Mississippi River is low and that's causing shipping problems for Agriculture. Mark Milam with Independent Commodity Intelligence Services joins Damian to discuss issues of transportation, supply, and distribution of fertilizer for crop year 2024. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

The chasm between beef and dairy is being bridged as the two industries fuse in a trend that could be good for beef, dairy, consumers, the marketplace, and maybe the environment. The advent of sex-specific semen made a whole lot of dairy cow uteruses available. Meanwhile the beef industry needed calves. The result: beef bulls being bred to dairy calves creating calves intended specifically for the beef trade. This trend is upending the marketplace. Ian Wheal of meat supply chain consultancy Breedr joins Nebraska cattleman and founder of HerdDogg — a cattle biometrics company — Andrew Uden for an explanatory dialogue about Beef-on-Dairy. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

As it turns out, we've not always been good to our soil. Fortunately we're starting to better understand the living organism beneath our feet. However, we're still mistreating this valuable asset that's selling for $15,000 to $20,000 per acre in some areas. David Kleinschmidt of Progressive Agronomy and Illinois farmer Mike Imhoff discuss cover cropping, soil biology, advanced soil testing, and programs to help reverse sins against your soil.

Using a $40 million federal grant paid over five years via USDA's climate initiative, DeLong company created the "Grown Climate Smart" program. A 38 branch Ag retailer and grain elevator, DeLong has roughly 250,000 customer acres enrolled in the program that incentivizes wind breaks, cover cropping, tillage reduction, and nutrient management. Now the question is: Will consumers or downstream Ag customers pay a premium or be able to justify a premium associated with "climate smart" designation? DeLong's Dylan Vaca and Wisconsin farmer Randy Hughes join Damian Mason to discuss the challenge of fetching a premium for environmentally conscious commodities. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Farmland prices have been on fire the last couple years. But are those prices peaking? Beyond the huge sale numbers seen on social media, Ag property has been selling well but…there are signs of a cooling off. What can we expect moving forward? Will the institutional investors remain in Ag land? And what are the drivers of farm ground pricing and sales? Howard Halderman of Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management joins Damian in a webinar format. We thought it was so insightful and timely, we're bringing it to you as a Business of Agriculture podcast. Enjoy!

Businesses are encouraged to conduct assessments of their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. In short: What are you good at, what do you suck at, where will tomorrow's money be made, and what things could put you out of business? The most critical element of an effective SWOT Analysis is the ability to be critical. That's why I brought in Ryan Moe, member of The Business of Ag Success Group, Regional Director with StoneX, and unapologetic truth teller. It's a long episode but among my all-time favorites and an awesome, insightful conversation! Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Used machinery markets are heating up earlier than normal. Is this because farmers in need of equipment recall getting shut out during the supply chain disruptions of Covid or is there a used equipment shortage? What are interest rates — more than double what they were just a year or so ago— doing to the farm implement market? Does a farmer need the newest and shiniest machinery in an era of evolving and transportable technology? Is there a place for smaller scale farm equipment in tomorrow's Ag? Is farm machinery a barometer for the greater Ag economy. A predictor of the future? Those questions and more are addressed in this insightful discussion between Damian and Moving Iron's Casey Seymour. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Comet Bio is a technology-enabled food ingredient company that, after eight years, is finally ready to churn out food ingredients. The company extracts fiber — arabinoxylan to be specific — from wheat straw and turns it into an ingredient for food companies to use in food for human consumption. This is a win-win for everyone involved: New demand for an Ag by-product (straw) is always good, creating a product that adds up to 100 times value is even better. Comet's CEO, Rich Troyer explains the process, the product, and the potential. The company's first processing facility is in Denmark, with plans to build and open a facility in North American wheat country in the future. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Organic food sales growth still outpaces conventional, despite food inflation and even after nearly two decades of "organic" being a thing. Additionally, the margins are better for organic. So, how much longer can "organic" grow organically? How do organic chicken farms operate, is it the same as vertically integrated conventional poultry production? Where does the product end up? Lorenzo Bared, VP of Strategy for Farmer Focus, the nation's largest branded organic poultry producer with a business model focusing on independent family farmers. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

I was recently asked by two investor friends of mine, "Damian, if I handed you a billion dollars, where in Ag would you invest it?" The question, as well as the six weeks of pondering it inspired in my head, made me think this was a solid and stimulating topic for The Business of Agriculture. Looking from 2023 and beyond, where within our industry will there be a need for investment capital to fuel expansion to feed new demand? Biologicals? Ag tech? Real estate? Environmental plays using Ag? Food waste? Infrastructure? Rob Saik of AGvisorPRO joins me on this fun discussion. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Silage — in case you're unfamiliar— is high moisture forage chopped and stored for cattle feed, principally dairy animals. It derives its name from the fact we used to blow this forage into silos. That's not done much anymore for reasons of safety, practicality, and scale. The most common method of ensiling and storing cow feed involves piling it on concrete, packing it with a large tractor, then covering with plastic. For reasons of economics and environment — which aren't always opposing forces — the stack and pack silage practice may be changing. Large silage bags such as the 14 x 500 footers used by Iowa dairyman Anthony Nunes reduce feed waste, improve feed quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Nunes joins nutritionist Marc Etchebarne and environmental consultant Jake Schmitz to discuss the future of feed storage. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Regenerative practices have become a new area of focus in production Agriculture. But what about our grazing lands — are we managing those lands for healthier soil, a healthier environment AND a healthier bottom line? Hugh Aljoe and Jim Johnson with Noble Research Institute, an Oklahoma-based ranch and research entity operating on 14,000 acres, join Damian. They discuss the important role grazing land plays in American Ag and methods by which to improve soil, environment, and our balance sheet. With almost double the number of acres in grass and rangeland as there are in crops, proper management can boost beef production while more than offsetting the greenhouse gases released by all of production Agriculture. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

A few years ago there was a great deal of hype surrounding Controlled Environment Ag (indoor farming). Money was pouring into the space from outside investors. Along with the money came the media coverage, which brought more money and more hype. According to some, we were just a short time away from never eating vegetables grown conventionally in fields again. Yet, here we are in 2023 still eating lettuce from Yuma and produce trucked in from California. What happened to the indoor Ag revolution? Walt Duflock with Western Growers discusses the realities of produce farming, while Adam Bergman, Global Head of Ag Tech with Citi discusses the money and business side of controlled environment agriculture.

My farmer friends at XtremeAg say, "The limiting yield factor isn't the seed, it's probably us." Well, that's not necessarily the case — another huge limiting yield factor is loss due to pathogens. With so many nasty diseases out there, our problem has often been misdiagnosis or a failure to treat our crops before the damage is done. Fortunately, new technology has emerged to detect pathogens before they present themselves. Thus allowing preemptive treatment or, in the absence of pathogens, no treatment which is a win for the environment AND your wallet. Mike Tweedy with PatternAg joins Damian to discuss new innovations in autumn pathogen detection which allows for seed selection and treatment plans months before any problem arises. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

We're several years into various programs looking to sign up acres for such things as carbon sequestration, nitrogen reduction, cover crops, and other regenerative practices. Yet, there are still not very many acres signed up. Why is that and what will it take to get more acres involved with ecosystem marketing? In this episode Damian asks the questions you've asked him. Why are companies paying farmers to plant cover crops? How much are they paying? Will consumers support these costs in an era of food inflation? Will these programs go away? Tim Meinhold and Laura Kowalski with Primient — a corn processing company — join the discussion with Truterra's Gregg Allard. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

If you're in modern day production Agriculture, you are in business. Probably to the tune of millions of dollars of allocated capital. Yet, many farmers don't flex their money mindset or think like entrepreneurs. This could make for real on-farm struggles moving into an era of high interest rates, consolidation, and demographic changes on North American farms. Evan Shout, CFO of Saskatchewan's HGV (Farms) and founder of FarmerCoach joins Damian to discuss improving one's entrepreneurial quotient, the business side of farming, and how to remedy business mindset shortcomings. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com

Every Summer we begin to analyze crop reports, look at the markets and ask the question, "Will Ag make money this year? And if so, which sectors?" Jarod Creed of JC Marketing & Ag Financial Services joins Damian to discuss farm income, recent ag economic history, political winds shaping or shifting Ag, and other forces impacting farm revenue. The good news: 2023 looks profitable for many. The bad news: We work in a business with plenty of ups and downs…as you'll enjoy hearing Jarod and Damian discuss. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com