The Business of Agriculture Podcast

I have long held the opinion that the United Nations is an activist organization not unlike PETA or the Environmental Working Group. The notable exception being that the U.N.'s funding comes from taxpayers of its wealthy nation members. In anticipation of this Fall's COP26 summit on climate change, the U.N. released another of its studies, which usually paint Agriculture as environmental evil doer. Todd Thurman joins me to share the real facts about Ag's environmental footprint and explains how modern farming practices can benefit the environment. Sponsored by LandTrust landtrust.com

We've come a long way from yesterday's tractors and farm equipment. Technologically, environmentally, and from the basis of what the machine can accomplish. Matt Ramage and Karl Huebner with Hutson, Inc — a chain of John Deere dealerships, join me to discuss the farm equipment business. We're paying roughly $1,000 per one rating of horsepower — what is the ROI and what are these machines doing now compared to just a few decades ago? Are autonomous implements coming? (answer: yes, but how soon) Are electric tractors far off? Will we consolidate the machinery biz even more? We discuss all this and more. Sponsored by LandTrust landtrust.com

To grow crops, you need seed, as such seed is a big business within the business of Ag. Like all things, technology is changing how we plant and even the seed that we plant. Three seed professionals sit down with me to discuss changes they see happening in the seed biz and take a look at where genetics and seed sales may go in the future. Sponsored by LandTrust landtrust.com

Sustainability has, frankly, been mostly a marketing phrase for well over a decade. But that's changing amid increasing demands from consumers and governments to "be sustainable." Companies are pushing their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards onto their producers. Meaning, farmers will be held to certain production practices to be allowed to sell their products. That's where Hummingbird Technologies comes in — they're the verification arm for large Ag companies and they use artificial intelligence to do it. Listen to founder Will Wells explain where Ag is and where it's going in relation to sustainability. Sponsored by LandTrust landtrust.com

We waste about 35% of the food we produce. In poor countries it's more due to lack of infrastructure, in affluent countries it's because food is cheap and easy to discard. But there's an environmental cost that will increasingly become an issue. Re-Nuble is an Ag startup that seeks to prevent food waste while giving an assist to indoor Agriculture. The company harvests vegetative waste and turns it into a pasteurized, pathogen free fertility product for soil-less indoor farming operations. Sponsored by LandTrust landtrust.com

No, we're not talking about pretend meat in this episode. We're talking lentils, peas, and beans and their potential growth opportunity as a food and crop category. Lionel Kambeitz, CEO and co-founder of Above Food, explains his company's role in providing improved plant protein products to a hungry marketplace. He discusses food tribalism, the concept of "naturally regenerative" crops, and the five specifications his company requires of their contract farmers. In many ways this is a discussion about where food production and marketing is headed, beyond plant proteins. Sponsored by LandTrust landtrust.com

Bobbi Brockmann, VP of Sales for Immucell, manages 9 field sales reps as well as the behind the scenes staff who cover the entire country calling (principally) on dairy operations. She joins me to discuss how changes in scale, size, and management of farms has changed how companies go to business. What do Ag sales people do in a world adapting to online commerce, where simply showing up with an order form won't cut it? As a seasoned veteran, adapting to succeed in marketing and sales, Ms. Brockmann shares her five success traits and much more. Bonus: a dire prediction about the future of Ag Sales — half of those who do it, won't be necessary soon!

Business, in very simple terms, is the act of exploiting one's resources to create something of value. For production Agriculture this means utilizing the sun, water, and soil, along with inputs to create a crop. But how do you know how much and which resources to apply? Turns out there's a great deal of analysis and consultation that goes on behind the scenes of a productive Agricultural operation. The leadership of Brookside Laboratories joins me to discuss resource management with a member of their Amplify consultant network. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

At this point in 2020, Ag was receiving the first of two rounds of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and things looked a bit bleak. Today, commodity prices are roaring, farm land prices are surging, and farm income projections may enter record territory. But, is this merely the leading edge of hyper inflation for the overall economy? And what about those land prices — they are actually dropping in the west due to water, not productivity or the economy. How will labor cost adjustments and grocery prices impact The Business of Agriculture? Curt Covington with AgAmerica Lending joins me for an informative discussion. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

Eric Snodgrass has a title long enough to fill the front and back of his business card. Basically, he's a weather dude, atmospheric scientist, and former professor. Eric joins me to discuss climate reality. What's happening with the weather, what it means for Agriculture, and why blaming bovines for green house gasses is like ordering a Diet Coke to wash down your 10,000 calorie buffet dinner. We cover a lot of ground in this very entertaining episode. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

Twice in the last year we've faced a major disruption to our meat supply. The first due to Covid closing packing facilities, the second due to a Cyber attack last week on JBS - the world's largest meat processing company. What does this mean for producers and consumers? More importantly, are these disruptions an expected symptom of an oligopolistic meat packing industry? Brad Kooima, a beef producer, commodity trader, grain farmer, and National Cattleman's Beef Association officer joins me to discuss problems with the protein processing industry from his perspective. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

A lot has changed rapidly when it comes to farm level finances. Commodity prices in grains have doubled in less than a year, while beef producers are getting hammered and pork producers are getting ahead (for now). I sit down with two Ag lenders with American State Bank, a Northwest Iowa community bank with approximately a $400 million balance of Ag loans. Their region is huge in livestock production and touts some of the best farm land in America. Eric Haveman and Josh Metzger provide perspective on farm finances and the Business of Agriculture. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

Brice McIntosh is the Vocational Ag instructor and FFA leader in Wheatland, Wyoming. The farm kid turned teacher has plenty of opinions about the Business of Agriculture, the future, and what we're doing right and wrong with instructing our youth. We discuss technology, curriculum, and the skillsets he's instructing (as well as the traits he sees lacking) and much more. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

Agriculture is increasingly under environmental scrutiny and the pressure will only get worse. The pressure comes from activist groups teaming with trial lawyers, politicians out to control food choice, and wealthy individuals such as Bill Gates whose motives may not be as philanthropic as he portrays. I see calls to tax meat — especially beef — and dairy products under the guise of curing climate change. I also see more lawsuits on the heels of Bayer's $11.6 billion settlement. And, you can count on more federal regulation of farming practices. So how can Ag win? By staying away from the science. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

More than 2 years ago I had the author of Empty Planet on the podcast to discuss the reality: humans aren't going to overpopulate Earth and that we weren't going to run out of food. In this episode, Todd Thurman and I discuss what slowing population growth — and even decline — means for Ag. Hint: Less "feed the world" talk, catering to a wealthier / older customer base, and possibly even competition for immigrants. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

What's an adjuvant, you ask? They're inert ingredients used in crop protection products to make the chemistry more efficient and effective. Joe Gednalske with the Council of Producer & Distributors of Agrotechnology joins me to discuss technology in crop production. Joe holds 38 patents and has been in the Ag industry for half a century. Which is why I encourage you to share this episode with your non-Ag friends — because, as Joe explains — many adjuvants used in pesticides are also found in detergent, shampoo, and home cleaning supplies. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

"Cheese is who we are." That's the statement from Wisconsin Cheese's Chief Marketing Officer, Suzanne Fanning. I invited her on The Business of Ag podcast after reading about the organization's award winning Cheeselandia marketing campaign. We discuss all things Ag promotion, what things Ag gets wrong (way too much preaching to ourselves about ourselves!), and some of the ways Wisconsin Cheese is messaging to its customers. Enjoy the lively discussion between Suzanne and I — we disagree on at least a couple things! Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

Aquabounty is a company that came on my radar a couple years ago when they purchased and redeveloped an indoor fish farm in Indiana. The company produces genetically engineered salmon — the first animal protein to be GMO (which, as you can imagine, invites a lot of scrutiny). Sylvia Wulf, Aquabounty's CEO joins me to explain aquaculture, discuss salmon consumption and production, and talk about everything seafood. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com and LandTrust landtrust.com

Bill and Melinda Gates own almost 250,000 acres of productive farm land, and it's my hunch that it's not simply because he loves the smell of dirt. Bill, along with a cooperative media, bills himself a philanthropist. But the world's 4th wealthiest man occasionally passes off as altruism what is in reality control. Two months ago he stated wealthy nations such as the U.S. should switch to a 100% synthetic meat diet. He then stated that to accomplish this "might require regulations." Now you understand some of my concern. When a guy who wants to control America's dinner plate controls vast amounts of farmland and possesses the financial resources to dictate legislative outcomes, I see red flags. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Farmland is an asset that appears to be garnering more attention, even from the non-farming world. But what's an aspiring farm ground investor to do if he or she can't muster the huge price of entry for a tract of land? Enter AcreTrader, the company designed to bring together capital and farmers who need farm land to rent. Carter Malloy joins me to discuss his vision, the farm land marketplace, and what the future might look like for farm property ownership. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Brice and Blaine Hitzfield are two of the seven sons who make up Seven Sons Farms — a pasture-based operation in growth mode. The family operation produces beef, pork, and eggs, and has grown into a processor and direct marketer of their products. The brothers also operate Graze Cart — an online platform for direct-to-consumer sales, and Hen Gear — a manufacturer of chicken coops and nesting boxes for pasture poultry operations. The Hitzfield brothers join me to share business lessons and share entrepreneurial outlook for niche Agriculture. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Two main arguments used against animal Agriculture are environmental issues and animal care. We've faced increased regulations on both and endure lawsuits on the environmental front — particularly as related to nuisance lawsuits over odor. Facing a future of greater scrutiny on odor and antibiotics, Ag needs to look ahead. Mike Rincker and TJ Gaydos with DPI Global join me to discuss the reality and the future of livestock production as it pertains to these two topics. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Agriculture is increasingly impacted by regulation from the local, state, and federal level. But it appears to be getting worse. Activists and conflict groups used to lobby and protest against our industry. Now they hold positions of power. Eric Bream, a California citrus producer and politically active Agriculturalist joins me to discuss the methods of activism, dealing with regulations, and what he sees in the future. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

About 900 million acres are devoted to Agriculture in the United States. In addition to those acres are wooded property and other non-farmed land owned by American farm owners. Nic DeCastro saw those acres and — as an outdoorsman — saw an opportunity to help landowners profit by allowing short term usage for hunting and fishing. His company, LandTrust, does just that. As landowners, we must always look for opportunities to earn revenue off our holding while protecting it for the next generation. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

We talk a lot about Ag's need to educate the consumer. There are, however, multiple problems with effectively doing this. First off, the consumer is far removed from the farm. Secondly, the consumer might bristle at being told they need educated. And lastly, the consumer may not even really care — they're eating pretty well without being educated so what's the downside? Farmer and friend of show, Andy Ambriole joins me to discuss the rights and wrongs of consumer outreach. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Following up on the previous episode with Iowa farmer, Kelly Garrett, where we discussed carbon farming, I sit down with Rob West of Thunder Said Energy. He's an energy consultant turned carbon expert, and he believes Agriculture is the answer to carbon sequestration both from an economic and practicality standpoint. This is a hot topic that is in its early stages. Agriculture will be increasingly affected and possibly rewarded — listen closely! Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Most farmers are from a farm, not Cason Anderson. Sure, his parents had a few cows on an acreage but they weren't really farmers. Cason is. He got into pecan farming by purchasing used harvesting machinery when he was 18 and picking up some small, un-maintained pecan orchards. Nine years later he and his crew of three farm 840 acres of pecans. He explains pecan production's ups and downs and talks about starting out as a young person in the Business of Agriculture. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

We're doing a lot of things in Ag that are still "on the way" to the non-Ag sector. Driverless cars are a concept but self-driving tractors have been in America's fields for over a decade, for instance. But take drones. While we're allegedly on the cusp of drone deliveries to our homes, we've been using drone technology in Ag for several years. And their use is growing. Michael Ott and Emily Carlson of Rantizo — an Iowa based drone technology, Ag input company join me to discuss the future. It may already be here! Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

If you haven't noticed, there is a tremendous amount of buzz going around about environment, climate change, and carbon. For years, those who oppose modern Agriculture have latched onto environmental issues as an argument against our industry. But what if Agriculture is the solution — or at least part of the solution — to all that ails the environment? And what if improving the environment also improved our farms and earned us a bonus check? Iowa farmer and carbon seller, Kelly Garrett of Garrett Land & Cattle Company joins me to discuss the carbon trade and how he's making money to sequester carbon while improving his acres. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

They say there are only four people who understand milk pricing and three of them are dead. Lucky for us, John Newton, Chief Economist of the American Farm Bureau Federation is the one who's alive. He joins me for an informative discussion on milk pricing. Milk pricing — not necessarily what the consumer pays at Kroger, but the pricing for producers — is set through a complex formula originally created by an act of government in 1933. You'll find this educational and slightly entertaining. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Rob Saik joins me to give highlights from his address to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, where he stood up for a vilified modern agriculture. We discuss the hypocrisy of anti-agriculture movements, global reality, COVID's lessons for Ag, technology shortening time and distance for food production, and the future. Pull up a chair for never-dull discussion. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Without hops, there is no beer. That's reason enough for you to listen to this podcast because this episode explains the hop industry from farm to frosty glass. Ann George, executive director of Hop Growers of America and Michelle Gooding of Gooding Farms - an Idaho hop producer, explain the production and business side of this vital ingredient. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Agriculture begins with and depends on soil. If you farm, your most valuable asset is likely land. So what is that land worth? Are values up, down, or stable this year? What's the outlook for 2021? How much farm land is owned by investors? Is it true that farmers are going bankrupt and liquidating their land in large numbers? What impact are farm programs having on property prices? If they're not making any more land" is that a good reason to buy? These and other questions are covered in this episode with Howard Halderman, president of Halderman Real Estate Services. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

It's helpful to gain perspective from other Ag professionals. I taped this episode from the National Ag Aviation Association convention and trade show. My guests are Mark Kimmel and Darrin Pluhar, owners of aerial application businesses in Mississippi and Montana, respectively. We discuss: The future of Ag input application via air, drone, and otherwise, the impact of consolidation, regulation, cropping changes, and the evolution of Ag as seen from the cockpit. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

The pandemic has been good for Christmas tree farmers. Customers seeking an "authentic" holiday have bid up demand for real trees. After reading two articles about tree shortages, I decided to get the straight scoop from those in the know. Oregon tree farmer Casey Grogan joins me, along with National Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Tim O'Connor. This is a festive and informative episode I encourage you to share with your artificial tree owning friends. The 15,000 American farms that produce our holiday greenery appreciate your support. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Farming is a multi-variant problem. Meaning, from geography to weather to inputs, there are as many as 70 different multiples that factor into on-farm profitability. Nick Horob, founder of Harvest Profit, Inc. joins me to discuss technology, farm accounting, acre management, business practices, and the future of production Agriculture. This is a fun and moving conversation with an entrepreneurial flair with my friend Nick — you'll want to share it after enjoying it yourself! Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Take a drive through rural America, and you're sure to see windmills. Not the old fashioned metal blades and structure pumping water from yesteryear, but modern 300 foot monoliths. They're big, they pay landowners a nice lease payment, and if you talk to enough rural people you'll find they're controversial. North Dakota farmer, agri-entrepreneur, friend of show, and wind energy proponent, Dennis Haugen joins me to discuss wind energy. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Jason Mauck came back to the farm ten years ago from his role a landscape owner. Being a small business owner taught him the value of having many customers. He also learned the importance of maximizing revenue from each customer. He now brings that approach to Agriculture. Jason and I discuss his latest ventures — Munsee Meats, pasture pork, and an Automated Farmers Market. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Production Agriculture, at the commodity level, favors the low cost producer. So where can costs be shaved? Mitch Eviston asked that very question. His answer: through reducing redundancies in the channel — from manufacturer to distribution to retail to, eventually the farm. Call it the Amazon effect of Ag inputs — Mitch and his company, Meristem, believe it is imminent. Beyond the cost savings, a goal for the company is to increase customer convenience. We discuss this and where we might see more channel-free marketing in Ag. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

At the time this episode was recorded, we hadn't officially declared Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election. Assuming he is, here are thoughts considerations, and some outlook on what Ag can expect under a Biden administration. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

This spring, large meat processing facilities closed as workers tested positive for coronavirus. The shutdowns resulted in meat shortages and retailer-enforced rationing which left many questioning our meat supply chain. Are we too dependent on the four big meat processors? Is there room (and profit) for a proliferation of tier 2, medium or specialty meat processors? Oklahoma rancher and CPA, Gary Dennis, joins me to discuss beef and the business viability of going small in meat processing. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Tight margins and environmental pressure make it important to get the most out of every acre of farm land. Precision Ag helps us do that. But what's on the horizon for applied technology in farming and what exactly is data analysis and why do we need it? Dan Frieberg of Premier Crop Services joins me to discuss how livestock producers and dairy farmers are ahead of crop producers — they've been managing productivity by individual cow and sow for decades. Is it time to cull your poor acres individually? Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

40% of farm land is expected to change hands in the next decade. Consolidation of farming operations - at the commodity level - is going to continue, which means bigger acres in the operation. These trends are real and they are coming at a time of great technological change to how we live and work. Enter CashRent.com, the online method of leasing farm land for both landowner and farmer. It was founded after one of the company's principles discovered a lack of clarity on what his farm investment was worth. The new enterprise is an online information and auction site for Agricultural leases. Is this the future of renting farm land? Co-founder Noah Berkson joins me to discuss. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

The state just north of my home state has an interesting array of Agricultural production. From cherries to wine grapes to hops and hemp, Michigan's micro climates make for some interesting Agriculture. Christie Apple - known online to her fans and followers as Crop Scout Christie - consults for producers of 18 different Ag commodities. And, even more interesting, she advises more than 30 hemp producers. Tune in for an interesting and informative episode…you're going to like my friend Christie.

Expanding on episode 157's subject of commodity promotion, this episode asks the question: Can promotion keep up with production? As farmers continue to produce greater quantity of everything from shrimp to soybeans, can marketing effort keep selling the excess quantity? There are three paths to marketplace profitability in commodity production. The options are: supply management, being the lowest cost producer, or effective promotion. We examine all this and look at the future too. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

I've never actually seen the movie, Field of Dreams but I know this: We in Ag are amazing at food production, but we often think by "building it" (producing commodities), the consumer will come. Yet, for many commodities that's not been the case. Realizing this, we created the Agricultural Marketing Service and the checkoff program overseen by USDA. In this episode, I explain 5 flaws of promotion and outline better tactics for promoting our bounty. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com New To-dos

Bruce Vincent is the owner of Vincent Logging, a Montana timber company. He's also a timber and environmental community activist. He was forced into his second role when environmentalists put his company out of business and destroyed his timber -reliant town. Bruce joins me to discuss the reality of this "unprecedented" fire season (it's not, and in fact we've only burned about one third of the acres we burned a century ago). We talk about timber as an Ag product, management of resources, and the conflict industry's impact on the Business of Agriculture. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

The business of Agriculture begins at the farm. With all the tumult, politics, and market disruption that 2020 has brought, what is the impact at the producer's level? What will that mean for all of us who work in the peripheral Ag industry? Chris Barron, an Iowa farmer and owner of Ag View Solutions, provides a look at the present economic situation as he sees it from his own perspective and that of his farmer clients. **Note: this episode was recorded prior to the September 18th announcement by USDA of CFAP 2. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Production Agriculture's reality - increasingly - involves doing battle with groups opposed to what we do, how we do it, and even our very existence. While we (grudgingly) accept this in places like California, the movement against farming is now common in "fly over country" too. In this episode I sit down with Leah Bunkers and Jim Pinkert, two members of Families Feeding Families, an organization founded to combat anti-Ag activism Yankton, SD where activists infiltrated local politics in the Ag-centric county. If it can happen in South Dakota, it can happen anywhere. In this episode I shed light on the business model and religious movement of opposing Agriculture. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Pre-pandemic, senators Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren introduced legislation limiting farm size. The subject was shelved by 24/7 Covid coverage but it's sure to come back. And when it does, the infighting within Ag over big farm versus small farm will heat up. But does there really need to be a "versus" mentality? Small, niche Ag operations are experiencing big opportunities? Katharine Lotspeich, host of the Millennial Ag podcast joins me to discuss farm size, the reality of farm payments, and more. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com