The Truth About Ag

In episode 16 of The Truth About Ag podcast, co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert sit down with Craig Lothian of Lex Capital Corp. A former lawyer, Craig is a serial entrepreneur having founded and sold a number of successful private oil and land companies. In this episode, they dive into the similarities and differences between running businesses in Ag and Energy, lessons learned from raising capital, scaling, and exiting companies, things to consider when making million dollar decisions, and the benefits of structuring your team like company owners.

In Episode 15 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout dive into the complex world of land management and expansion with Darrel Monette of Monette Farms. Known for its impressive—and sometimes controversial—growth over the past 15 years, Monette Farms has become a force across multiple regions. Darrel shares hard-won insights into the essential role of real estate in long-term farm sustainability, managing rapid growth within a family business, and keeping the next generation engaged in an ever-evolving operation. This is a candid look at the high stakes of modern farming.

Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert discuss this year’s challenging harvest, from managing unpredictable weather to empowering the team through cross-training and delegation. They talk about the role of guilt in farm decision-making, how to step back and let your team shine, and whether the “post-harvest hangover” is real. They also share the top three things that went right on the farm, insights into capital planning, and how used equipment and loans play into succession planning.

In Episode 13 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, host Evan Shout welcomes Clint Fischer, a South Dakota attorney specializing in farm family transitions and succession. They explore the intricate challenges faced by farm families during ownership transitions and discuss strategies that can help. Clint is also founder of Braintrust Ag, an online farm peer group and resource center. Clint shares how such networks provide a vital connection point, reducing isolation and helping farmers manage the unique stresses of their work. Tune in for a deep dive into these essential topics.

Episode 12 of The Truth About Ag Podcast features John Stackhouse, a senior VP at the Royal Bank of Canada and former editor-in-chief at the Globe and Mail. John is also a member of the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-Food’s operating committee; and dives into their origins. He outlines CANZA's commitment to enabling Canada to increase production while reducing emissions, emphasizing their unique approach of involving farmers directly and rewarding sustainable practices. The episode also explores the critical role of agriculture in the Canadian economy and the importance of investing in rural areas.

In Episode 11 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert sit down with Steven McBee of McBee Farm and Cattle Co. Steven, a U.S. rancher with a diverse portfolio of companies and a stint in reality TV, shares his insights on diversification, the ups and downs of fame, and how the McBee family manages their expanding operations. Tune in for an engaging conversation about balancing growth, business, and family in modern agriculture.

Join co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert in Episode 10 of The Truth About Ag Podcast as they explore top-of-mind topics in the ag industry. They discuss the potential effects of the upcoming Canadian Rail strike and delve into the start of harvest and team management. They also reflect on CANZA’s recent visit to their farm, highlighting that industry giants like McCain, Maple Leaf, and Loblaws are now consulting primary producers to drive sustainability. Listen in for a candid, real-time conversation on agriculture’s current challenges.

In Episode 9 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Evan Shout sits down with Jordan and Jen Lindgren of Norquay, Saskatchewan. Running a 13,000-acre grain farm with a pedigreed seed operation and retail chemical sales, the Lindgrens share their journey of diversification. They emphasize the importance of transparency, maintaining core family values, and fostering a community environment during their expansion. They also touch on proactive succession planning and balancing the business and lifestyle aspects of farming. Listen in for a candid discussion on how the Lindgren's navigate the challenges of the ag industry.

In Episode 8 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert reflect on the wisdom shared by past guests and emphasize the importance of positive influences for achieving success. They also unpack Alex Hormozi’s “23 Harsh Truths,” exploring how these insights have resonated with them as entrepreneurs and primary producers. Tune in for a genuine discussion on navigating the complexities of agriculture with wisdom and resilience.

In Episode 7 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout host a live session from Canada’s Farm Show with FCC CEO Justine Hendricks. They discuss FCC’s current and future investments in agriculture and the importance of "Team Canada" – a united front of all provinces and levels of government – in promoting our agriculture industry globally. Join us for a candid discussion on the future of farming and the importance of collaboration in the industry.

Join hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert in Episode 6 of The Truth About Ag Podcast as they talk with Ryley Richards, a Saskatchewan farmer who shares his journey through alcoholism and recovery. The conversation also delves into strategies for empowering your team to achieve self-management on the farm and explores the role of outside investment as a tool for risk management and succession planning. This episode offers an open and honest look at the personal and operational challenges in agriculture.

In Episode 5 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert discuss some of the surprising data they gathered during Plant 24, tackle the current issues with farm equipment pricing and availability, and break down the latest trends in commodity markets. They also announce their upcoming live podcast at Canada’s Farm Show with Farm Credit Canada CEO Justine Hendricks. Join them for a raw and insightful discussion on today’s agricultural challenges.

In this episode of The Truth About Ag Podcast, hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert break down the realities of growing a farming operation. They cover the essential changes required for expansion, address the challenge of leadership guilt, and share their current strategies as they prepare for seeding season. Join them for an unfiltered discussion on the real-time issues impacting agriculture today.

In Episode 3 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, co-host Evan Shout sits down with Dallas Simmonds, owner of Raptor Enterprises, candid discussion on the realities of farming. Dallas shares his journey of growing his farm operation to an impressive 40,000 acres before making the life-changing decision to retire at just 42 years old. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful farm, the reasons behind his decision to retire, and what life looks like after farming.

In Episode 2 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert dive deep into the hot topics buzzing in the world of agriculture. They analyze the Canadian Federal budget's implications for farmers, delve into existing Canadian sustainability practices highlighted by the Global Institute of Food Security, and discuss John Deere's unique social media campaign seeking "Chief Tractor Officers."

Co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert discuss the real time issues facing farms today, as well as their vision for the future of The Truth About Ag podcast.