The Business of Agriculture Podcast

The Biz of Talking Funny to The Business of Agriculture Tim Moffett is a Florida dairy farmer with an interesting side job: He's an Agricultural comedian. Like me, he gets paid to speak at Ag meetings. Join our fun conversation as we take you back stage. You'll see showbiz from our perspective. We discuss material creation, open mic nights, the three shows within every show, gigs gone bad, and the fun part of talking to the Business of Agriculture.

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Jim Smith is a Technical Swine Nutritionist with Kent Feeds. He and I met a few years back when his company hired me to speak at a national sales meeting. He's also farmer, an active Ag Tweeter, and a friend of the show. We discuss the need for more animal scientists, why livestock producers can't "save their way to prosperity," and the amazing job Animal Ag is doing at cutting antibiotic usage. We also delve into the topic of Ag's propensity for internal conflict — seems we all have haters! You'll enjoy this discussion.

Monsanto- now part of Bayer - doesn't event exist anymore. But that doesn't mean the March Against Monsanto will die. The protest will live on, the only thing that changes is the target. In this episode you'll hear why the movement against glyphosate and Monsanto persists (hint, it's very profitable for "non profits"). We discuss the Environmental Working Group's clever hit piece designed as news. All the while disguising their real motive and gaining legitimacy through willing accomplices in the media. Why does any of this matter to the Business of Agriculture? Because you're paying for these lawsuits, first off. Secondly, advocacy groups and an Ag-ignorant populace seem hell bent on ridding Ag of the world's most common herbicide.

We in the business of agriculture must do our part to foster tomorrow's leaders and workers. With school back in session this month, I thought it'd be appropriate to bring in an example of just that. A leader and worker for tomorrow's Agriculture, Jordyn Sills is my guest. A senior studying Agribusiness Management at Purdue, Ms. Sills just completed her third Ag internship. She and I discuss what we in Ag do well and where we can improve on mentoring our future. We talk Ag education, the benefits of FFA, and why we need more internships. You'll enjoy the perspective and insights from a Post Millennial's vantage point.

In this episode hear my thoughts on current events in the Business of Agriculture. We revisit the "nuisance" lawsuits against pork producers in North Carolina. Smithfield just lost it's third straight court case - and this one is reportedly gonna cost $94 million to pay off only six neighbors! What do lawsuits against Ag mean for you and what can the Business of Agriculture do to stop them? We also discuss trade issues and why I still believe we'll have better deals in place by October. Notice how much more agreeable Europe became when facing the prospect of losing US markets for cars? Finally, I close out with a lesson I shared at a recent crop field day on why you can't skimp your way to prosperity. Enjoy!

Michelle Miller a.k.a. The Farm Babe is a social media star, speaker, sheep farmer, and AgDaily contributing writer. She joins me to discuss food labeling, farming, the future, and consumer issues. We also talk about the role of communicating Ag to a non-Ag populace and whether or not the word "Agvocate" is proper terminology. This is a fun visit - join us!

Barry Aycock is a farmer, farm owner, cotton gin operator, nursing home owner, and founder of AgXplore. Barry was a farm boy who aspired to become a college professor, but some people just aren't made for a 3 hour work week! So, he worked as a cotton scout and was so good at it, he won a national award. He was recruited to help the country of Bolivia grow cotton on the edge of the jungle, and that's where he started his company. We talk about business, environmentalism, crop chemistry issues, being fined by the EPA, the future of Agriculture, and more. If you enjoy conversations with entrepreneurial types, this episode is for you!

Jim Dudlicek of Progressive Grocer and I continue our conversation about all things grocery. In part two we talk about the future of food. What's happening in the meat and dairy case? Why is the segregation of organic and "natural" food going away? Does laboratory meat have a place on consumer's plates anytime soon? And what's the grocery store of the future gonna look like? Gettin' groceries is hardly the same as it was a decade or two ago. This is a really interesting discussion and Jim's a very knowledgeable resource. Join us!

The Business of Agriculture IS the business of food. In North America, food is more than mere sustenance, food is a trend. My guest is Jim Dudlicek with Progressive Grocer. He explains what's hot and what's not in the grocery aisles. He tells us about the consumer's push for fresh, why "center store" is stagnant, and the popularity of plant -based protein. What happens at the grocery store matters to everyone in the business of agriculture!

My guest is Brandon Wipf, South Dakota farmer and member of the American Soybean Association Board of Directors. We discuss the business side of agricultural production. Brandon talks about some of his good habits and shares ideas on how you can improve yourself and your business. We also cover global trade and why he thinks TPP could be a huge economic bonus to American Ag. You'll enjoy this discussion with a sharp young Ag professional who's also a voice for Ag in D.C.

OK, he's not really "my" dairy farmer. He's "a" dairy farmer who rents my farm land. This being dairy month, I thought it'd be a good time for you to hear from him. Johan DeGroot joins me to discuss all things dairy from a 30 year old farmer's perspective. What's the dairy industry doing right? What's different than a decade ago? Where will the dairy spat between Canada and the U.S. end up? And where would an overstretched young operator spend an additional 4 hours each week? It's a good discussion and chance to meet Johan - a newly sworn in U.S citizen!

Ours is a unique industry with many factors that are unfamiliar to most people or businesses. Zoning, livestock operation disputes, estate planning headaches, employment legalities, environmental regulation, are just a few of the issues in Ag. My guest is Amy Cornell, president of Agribusiness Council of Indiana. She's also an attorney specializing in Agriculture, a lobbyist, and farm girl. While there's an attorney on every corner, there's actually a shortage of attorneys with Agricultural expertise. We in the Business of Agriculture, must protect our interests. Who needs an AG Lawyer? Turns out we all do!

The day I recorded this podcast, celebrity chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain completed suicide. According to the Centers For Disease Control, suicides in the United States are up 30%. For the Business of Agriculture, the numbers are even worse. 85 farmers per 100,000 kill themselves annually. Suicide rates for farmers are 6.3 times the national average. This is a mental health crisis. It's also tragically sad. The good news, if there is any, suicide is preventable. My guest is Alicia Cowdrey, M.D. who specializes in psychiatry. We talk about the importance of mental health and what you can do to maintain yours while working in the Business of Agriculture.

At this moment there is plenty of bluster over global trade. Even Canada and the USA - two counties touting the longest uncontested border on Earth - are on the verge of spatting. I talk to Real Ag Radio host, Shaun Haney for a Canadian perspective. We talk trade imbalances (they're not always bad), why Canada and the USA's spat has nothing to do with Agriculture, and why Canadians always bring up the war of 1812.

We hear the word "natural" a lot as it pertains to food and agriculture. But what does it even mean? Like the word "sustainable," ask 100 different people and you'll receive 100 different definitions of "natural." In fact, "natural" is thrown about so commonly these days, the Food and Drug Administration was petitioned to define the word. Until recently, I deemed "natural" to be little more than a marketing phrase. Then, an Ag detractor scolded me for "unnatural" food production methods. The problem with that statement: all food production methods are unnatural. Humans are hunter gatherers by nature. We invented agriculture! Along with lots of other cool stuff that enhance human existence. Join me for the conversation. It's natural!

This week the house voted down the first draft of Farm Bill 2018. What does this mean for people involved in Ag? Why should taxpayers care about the Farm Bill? (hint, because it effects a LOT of non farm stuff!). And what should Ag expect moving forward? My guest is my brother, Eric Mason — 32 year veteran of the Farm Service Agency. We discuss USDA issues, the pending Farm Bill, and it's impact on the business of Agriculture. Please share this episode with your non -Ag friends. It's a great discussion with Farm Bill facts, insights, and a few opinions. And you get to hear from one of my siblings!

April 26, 2018 a federal jury in North Carolina awarded nearly $51 million to 10 plaintiffs in a "Swine Nuisance" verdict. The award was reduced two weeks later by a federal judge to $3.25 million. Either way, meat production may have just gotten a lot more expensive — there are 25 more cases filed just in North Carolina! What does this mean for the future of meat production and what does it mean for consumers? More importantly, what really went on trial? Was it odor and noise, as the case contends? Or is farming and "Big Ag" under assault by cause groups using the courts to achieve their agenda? And lets not forget the financial angle…. are your neighbors going to use the North Carolina precedent to take money from you?

April 22nd, 2018 marks the 48th installment of Earth Day. In this episode I give you some background on Earth Day. Did you know it was a social movement attempting to capitalize on the anti- Viet Nam war fervor? Earth Day is also credited for creating the EPA - now an $8 billion, 15,000 employee federal juggernaut — oftentimes at odds with Agriculture. (WOTUS anyone?) The business of agriculture has many environmental accomplishments our detractors never mention. But I do! Share this episode with your non Ag friends. We're talking Earth and Agriculture. Earth is our livelihood and our biggest asset. Happy Earth Day!

Join the conversation with fellow Ag speaker and funny man, Mark Mayfield. Usually we cover issues impacting the industry of food and farming but this episode is a bit lighter. Mark and I discuss comedy, why comedian and farmer are job descriptions that get disrespect, humorous material that only works for Ag audiences, the perils of the job as a traveling talker, and more.

Last week was a volatile week in the grain trade but what does all this mean? Matt Bennett of Bennett Consulting joins me to discuss the basics of commodity markets, terminology of the trade, and his thoughts on the global grain business. We discuss how you can profit - or at least limit your risk - as a grain buyer or seller. We close with Matt's advice for limiting emotional mistakes and why he's bullish on the Business of Agriculture.

Ranching & Farming on public land will come to an end in the next 20 years. In this episode I tell you why. I also delve into political reality: this is a bigger issue than just a few thousand ranchers on public land, it's about the culture of Agriculture. Which is very much at odds with the media's portrayal of contemporary America.

The Business of Agriculture is caught in the crosshairs of trade negotiations. As usual. Agricultural crops are often used as bargaining chips. Food is commonly used as a political weapon. So, what is the current picture of trade? Will China really stop buying American soybeans - and what if they do? Should you panic? Jim Wiesemeyer, D.C. policy analyst for ProFarmer and Farm Journal is my guest. We're talking NAFTA, TPP, global Ag markets, and mega changes in the Business of Agriculture.

This week we celebrate Agriculture with our 45th National Ag Day. While it's a day to recognize all that Ag does, we sometimes take the "thank a farmer" movement a little too far. Wouldn't it also be appropriate to thank the paying customer who buys our product? In this episode I share thoughts for the men and women of Agriculture, followed by an Ag Day message for our consumers. Please share this podcast with your non Ag friends. Because this week is all about celebrating North American Ag's bounty. Do so and enjoy!

The business of Ag has seen a rapid amount of consolidation. Seed, chemical, equipment, fertilizer, and possibly even grain handlers are getting fewer in number. And bigger. Will size and scale stifle innovation? Do new companies have greater control over farm customers? Seems it's not a matter of if, but when, will we reach the point of Big 3 Economics - with 3 major players in every category. But does it even matter? A century ago critics screamed Sears was going to control the world! How'd that play out?

Fake news is a new term for an old practice: using misinformation to trigger an emotional reaction, thereby affecting an outcome. I delve into the history of media-perpetuated inaccuracies. Particularly, how it negatively impacts the Business of Agriculture. From Oprah's anti-beef episode to gluten as evil. When it comes to fake news, we lose. Learn how Ag can battle better. Defense versus offense. The peril of playing nice when our opponents don't. And why facts don't matter to a feelings based customer.

Friend of Show, Rob Saik joins me to deliver his take on Agriculture past, present, and future. What innovations make it possible for 1% fo the populace to feed the other 99%? What agricultural advancements allowed human advancement? We talk about the 5 iterations of Agriculture: Muscle, Machinery, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Convergence. This episode explores where food production and the business of agriculture are headed.

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!