Our weekly statewide TV and radio program provides balanced debate on issues ranging from Economy & Jobs, Education, Healthcare, Public Infrastructure, Leadership and Energy.
…
continue reading
Damian travels all over the globe talking to audiences about trends in the business of food, fuel, and fiber. With his clever wit and down-to-earth delivery, he has turned these topics into an interesting (and sometimes controversial) podcast.
…
continue reading
Our mission is to provide farms and operators an independent and unbiased outlet for information related to increasing the profitability of their farming operation. We will be providing farms and operators of all sizes and experience levels access to the latest trends, projections, and the tools necessary to increase farming profitability. We will take each episode to deliver latest news, what's working for active farms, and a topic of focus each episode. Remember, if you aren't farming for ...
…
continue reading

1
399 - Bullish on Corn: Ethanol, Exports & Trade Wins with NCGA CEO Neil Caskey | Damian Mason Podcast
44:45
44:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:45With U.S. corn production projected to hit record highs in 2025, demand questions loom. NCGA CEO Neil Caskey joins Damian Mason to explore the outlook for corn exports, ethanol markets, and the push for sustainable aviation fuel. With domestic livestock numbers down, will global trade and green energy be enough to absorb the surplus? Caskey discuss…
…
continue reading

1
Field Tested: Real Lessons from NCGA Yield Winners
48:35
48:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:35At the AgX Booth in Denver we chatted with some recent winners of the NCGA High Yield Contest to unpack what it truly takes to push corn yields to the limit. We learn about their farm background, what motivated them to enter the contest, and how their winning crop compared to their usual yields. They walk us through their hybrid selection, fertilit…
…
continue reading

1
Scouting, Spraying & Saving Yields: Joe’s Must-Know Secrets
47:28
47:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:28Postemergence scouting plays a critical role in protecting your yield potential, and knowing what to look for — and when — can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Joe Bolte, Market Development Specialist at Corteva Agriscience, to talk through the key things farmers should be watching for once their corn and soybeans are up an…
…
continue reading

1
Policy That Moves the Needle - Rush Hour Ag Podcast
57:01
57:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:01https://www.youtube.com/@RushHourAg We interview Louie Zumbach, a farmer and former Iowa State Representative and County Supervisor, and Elliot Henderson, a farmer and ag communicator, about their new venture—the Rush Hour Ag podcast. They explain what inspired the show, why they felt farmers needed more accessible and engaging policy discussions, …
…
continue reading

1
398 - How Food Producers and Agriculture Can Restore America’s Health | Damian Mason Podcast
56:20
56:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:20America’s health challenges are increasingly linked to diet, nutrition, and widespread confusion about what truly constitutes healthy food. As consumers face a constant barrage of conflicting information about their groceries, the roles of food producers, processors, and the broader agricultural industry have never been more important. In this epis…
…
continue reading

1
Brenna Beard's Future in Farming : Indiana Story
52:55
52:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:55We get to meet Brenna Beard, a farmer at heart with roots that run deep into her family farm. Brenna opens up about working with her dad, the learning curve of jumping into farming, and what it’s like trying to juggle that with a career in ag retail. She’s authentic, quick-witted, and not afraid to speak her truth. We chat about life outside the fi…
…
continue reading

1
397 - Why Tech Billionaires Keep Failing at Farming: Lessons in Ag Innovation | Damian Mason Podcast
1:05:04
1:05:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:04What happens when tech billionaires attempt to disrupt agriculture without understanding its fundamentals? In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by agtech experts Rhishi Pethe and Walt Duflock to analyze high-profile failures in agricultural innovation—highlighting ventures like Larry Ellison’s experimental farm in Hawaii and the struggles of Bey…
…
continue reading

1
Autonomy in Action : What's your Vision for the Future of Farming?
1:02:12
1:02:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:12We first talk with DPA Auctions to get a pulse on the current used machinery market. They explain how equipment values are shifting, what’s hot, and how auction trends reflect broader changes in the ag economy. Whether you’re in the market to buy, sell, or just curious about asset values, DPA offers timely insights. Next, we take a forward-looking …
…
continue reading

1
What Makes a Team Willing to Run Through a Wall? Tim Gutwein Tells All
35:24
35:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:24In this episode, we kick back with Tim Gutwein, CEO of AgXplore, to uncover the personal and professional journey that took him from rural roots to the helm of one of agriculture’s most innovative companies. Tim walks us through the early days of AgXplore, a company founded in 1999 with a mission to deliver smarter, more effective plant nutrition s…
…
continue reading

1
396 - Investment Trends In Agriculture - What’s Hot & What’s Not? | Damian Mason
53:52
53:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:52The good news: Private equity investors are interested in investing in the Business of Agriculture. The bad news: The money is not flowing into fake meat or controlled environment Ag businesses. What is hot? Premium dairy, pet food, and anything fermented. Why? Because those categories offer private equity investors what they want — higher margins,…
…
continue reading

1
Tough Enough to Talk About It: Mental Health in Agriculture
1:06:07
1:06:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:07In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we welcome experts from the Purdue Extension Office to shine a light on mental health and suicide awareness in the agricultural world. Farming comes with a unique set of pressures—volatile markets, unpredictable weather, isolation, long hours—and all too often, these challenges are suffered in silence. Our gu…
…
continue reading

1
A Farmer’s Greatest Asset: Capturing The Power of the Farmer's Mind
45:49
45:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:49In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Steffensmeier to discuss how record-keeping and farm management can be a game-changer for farmers. As the owners of Midwest Wagyu Beef, Jesse and Leah have firsthand experience balancing farm operations, financial management, and family life. Their upcoming workbook is designed to help farmers stay organized,…
…
continue reading

1
395 - How Farmers Are Cutting Fertilizer Costs with On-Farm Nitrogen Production
37:40
37:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:40“The next day after a lightning storm, it’s always greener. That term is called green lightning and that’s what we set out to do.” So says Travis Potter, founder of Green Lightning, a company with a product allowing farmers to make their own nitrogen at a much -reduced price than retail. The other benefits: elimination of synthetic nitrogen, no sal…
…
continue reading

1
The Right to Repair Debate: Autonomy, Safety, and the Future of Farming
1:09:52
1:09:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:52"Beyond the Toolbox: Exploring the Complexities of the Right to Repair Debate in Agriculture" We acknowledge the complexity of the debate—it’s not just about farmers hacking software but a broader discussion about safety, ownership, relationships, and trust. Defining Right to Repair: Farmers’ desire to access tools, diagnostics, and manuals to repa…
…
continue reading

1
Millennial Farmer & Just a Jackson Thing : Pure Entertainment
28:56
28:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:56In this quick-hit episode, we sit down with Zach Johnson (aka The Millennial Farmer) and Just a Jackson Thing for a laid-back conversation that’s all about the love of agriculture. We talk shop—literally—with updates on Jackson’s new space, swap stories about their favorite tractors, and reflect on what keeps them passionate about creating farm con…
…
continue reading

1
394 - When Free Trade Isn't Free | Why U.S. Agriculture Must Rethink Trade with China | Damian Mason
46:58
46:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:58What if free trade isn't really free? Tariffs are a distortion to free market economics. The only problem: We don’t have a free market economy as countries prop up and protect their native industries with restrictive rules on — or even entirely against — imports. In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason digs into the numbers (ou…
…
continue reading

1
The Custom Harvesting Hustle: Starting and Growing a Business
58:15
58:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:15Custom harvesting is a lifestyle, a business, and an essential part of the agricultural ecosystem—and few know it better than Frederick Harvesting & Trucking. What began as a small family operation with one combine and one truck has grown into a dynamic business that travels across multiple states each year, helping farmers bring in their crops eff…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Wheel with @CharlieTrucker: Hauling Waste and Making Waves
32:53
32:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:53Charlie from Uniondale, Pennsylvania, has built a massive following by doing what he does best—trucking with personality. With over 360k followers on TikTok and 81k on Facebook, Charlie blends the grit of hauling hazardous waste with humor, music, and daily check-ins that his fans love. His signature video intros like “Whiskey Wednesday” and “Thirs…
…
continue reading

1
393 - Is Farm Equipment Sharing the Future of Ag Efficiency? Inside AgShared’s Model | Damian Mason
50:08
50:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:08Agricultural equipment is among the largest capital investments on American farms—yet much of it sits idle for most of the year. With rising interest rates and pressure on farm income, optimizing machinery utilization is more important than ever. In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Martyn Gross, founder of AgShared (https://agshared.com), to…
…
continue reading

1
5 Phases to Better Crops – Plant Health & Nutrient Strategy for 2025
59:51
59:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:51Gunny Kreps joins the show to break down the fundamentals of plant nutrition and how it directly impacts crop growth, resilience, and yield. Representing AgXplore, Gunny explains the five stages of crop development—Foundation, Establishment, Architecture, Reproductive, and Maturity—and highlights how understanding and supporting each phase can maxi…
…
continue reading

1
Big Booms & Even Bigger ..........! Chatting with Austin Roylance
41:40
41:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:40Austin Roylance, a spraying expert and content creator, joins us to share how he built Roylance Spraying, a custom spraying business specializing in onions, mini potatoes, and corn defoliation. He discusses his trip to Argentina to explore the latest in Caiman Sprayers and BK Comp’s 160ft carbon fiber booms, his partnership programs and loyalty rew…
…
continue reading

1
392 - The Rise of Protectionism: Why Tariffs and Trade Wars Will Become The New Normal | Damian Mason
1:05:00
1:05:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:00Global trade is undergoing a fundamental transformation. After decades of increasing globalization, countries are pivoting toward protectionist policies to safeguard domestic industries. In this episode, international agribusiness consultant Todd Thurman joins Damian Mason to explore the resurgence of tariffs and trade restrictions—and what this sh…
…
continue reading

1
A Farmer's Perspective: How See & Spray Helps Farmers Save Big
44:22
44:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:22In today’s episode, Jesse Blasi (Kansas) and Max Hodel (Illinois) share their experiences with John Deere's See & Spray™ technology and the latest sprayer updates designed to maximize yields and minimize costs. See & Spray Premium – Jesse discusses how he saved $120k on chemicals for his 3,000 acres of wheat using See & Spray Premium and how the ne…
…
continue reading

1
A Voice of Canadian Ag: Shaun Haney's Story on RealAg Radio & More
43:34
43:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:34In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Haney, founder and CEO of RealAgriculture, Canada’s leading online ag publication and home to RealAg Radio on SiriusXM. Shaun shares his journey from growing up on a Southern Alberta seed farm to becoming a trusted voice in agriculture. We discuss how RealAgriculture provides farmers with essential information…
…
continue reading

1
391 - Boosting Crop Efficiency from the Planter Box: A Startup’s Biological Solution
48:26
48:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:26In today’s low-margin farming environment, efficiency is everything. From maximizing nutrient availability to reducing inputs while increasing yields, growers are under pressure to do more with less. That’s where startups like NewFields Ag come in. This innovative company is tackling the challenge right from the planter box, using biological soluti…
…
continue reading

1
Out of this World! Winning the War on Weeds: Soybean Herbicides
41:43
41:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:43Exploring the importance of a program-based approach to weed control in soybeans. Drake explains how farmers can get ahead of weed pressure by integrating multiple sites of action, using cultural practices like tillage and crop rotation, and applying preemergence herbicides before weeds become established. With planting season approaching, the disc…
…
continue reading

1
Farmers Helping Farmers: Inside Strutzenberg Drainage & Excavating
49:11
49:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:11In this episode, Brandon Strutzenberg shares how Strutzenberg Farm Drainage & Excavating has been helping farmers improve their land since 2015. We dive into the key benefits of farm drainage, including higher yields, better soil structure, and reduced disease pressure. Brandon also explains how excavation services—from site prep and grading to dem…
…
continue reading

1
390 - Why Invest in Farmland? Insights from Canada’s Largest Landowner
1:00:18
1:00:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:18Is farmland the ultimate investment? In this insightful episode, Damian sits down with Robert Andjelic, Canada’s largest private farmland owner, to explore the future of agricultural real estate. Despite having no farming background, Robert now owns 250,000 acres of prime Canadian farmland—mostly in Saskatchewan, with holdings in Manitoba and Alber…
…
continue reading

1
Surviving & Thriving: How to Make Your Farm More Profitable in 2025 w/ Ethan Clarke
1:22:11
1:22:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:11As we look ahead to 2025, farm profitability remains top of mind. This episode explores key strategies that producers are using to control costs and increase revenue. We’ll discuss how farmers are sourcing chemicals and fertilizers, adjusting seed purchases, making smarter land rental decisions, and fine-tuning equipment investments. We’ll also exa…
…
continue reading

1
Does Your Farm have a Brand? Perspective & Storytelling w/ Lo Schmid
1:01:26
1:01:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:26With a degree in marketing from Bowling Green State University and over seven years of experience, Lauren specializes in branding, web design, photography, and videography—helping businesses in and out of agriculture establish strong, authentic brands. She’ll share insights into storytelling, digital trends, the role of AI in marketing, and how pri…
…
continue reading

1
389 - The Future of Farming: Aging Farmers, Financial Challenges & Agriculture’s Big Reset
56:51
56:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:51The agriculture industry is at a turning point, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. farmers over 55 and many surpassing 65. As farming faces massive capital demands and generational shifts, what does the future hold? Adam Lasch, a self-made, first-generation Wisconsin farmer, joins Damian to explore the financial hurdles, demographic changes, and innova…
…
continue reading

1
Is Leasing Right for You? Grain Bins, Buildings, Tractors & Trucks : AgriFinancial
47:54
47:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:54In this episode, Bre Beals of AgriFinancial explains the ins and outs of leasing in agriculture, from equipment and machinery to farm buildings and vehicles. We discuss the key differences between leasing and buying, why farmers should consider leasing, and how it can improve cash flow and reduce risk. Bre also breaks down the financial and tax ben…
…
continue reading

1
"They Don't Teach This Stuff in School" - Trey Bo Dirt
1:00:45
1:00:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:45In this episode, we sit down with Trey Bohannan (@treybodirt) to talk about his journey from lawn care to leading one of the largest trucking and construction companies in his area. Trey shares insights on how small businesses can leverage social media for growth, how he scaled Design One from a local mowing company to a major player in commercial …
…
continue reading

1
388 - Will BioNutrients & Biologicals Be The End of Synthetic Fertilizers?
44:16
44:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:16The Agriculture industry has long relied on synthetic fertilizers, chemical inputs, and over-applied fertility—not by choice, but by necessity. Now, with biologicals, bio-nutrients, and precision application technology, farmers have better alternatives. Colton Moon, president of Redox BioNutrients, joins Damian to explore how soil health, crop nutr…
…
continue reading

1
Unlocking NRCS Resources: Drainage, Conservation & More
44:35
44:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:35In this episode, we sit down with Scott Wagner, an Agricultural Engineer with NRCS, to explore drainage water management (DWM) and how farmers can leverage NRCS resources to improve both farm productivity and environmental conservation. Scott walks us through the steps of initiating a drainage project, best practices for working with NRCS, and comm…
…
continue reading

1
Grit, Green, and GAS: Don Slama’s Formula for Success
53:05
53:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:05We sit down with Don Slama to discuss the history and growth of Slama Equipment, a John Deere dealership celebrating 75 years of service. We’ll cover how the business has evolved since 1948, including Don’s journey from working in the shop to owning the company. He shares insights into why customer service, team loyalty, and supporting old equipmen…
…
continue reading

1
387 - RFK Jr.’s Organic Vision: Is This the Future of American Agriculture?
39:41
39:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:41With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, his longstanding commitment to organic food is taking center stage. A vocal advocate for transforming the American food system, RFK Jr. believes organic agriculture could be the key to solving major health issues—going as far as claiming it could eliminate diabetes.…
…
continue reading

1
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield
59:37
59:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:37https://www.thescncoalition.com/ Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most significant yield threat to soybean farmers, often causing losses without visible symptoms. In this episode, SCN experts Dylan Mangel from the University of Nebraska and Horacio Lopez-Nicora from Ohio State University break down why SCN is a growing problem, how resistance to …
…
continue reading

1
Hunting, Bourbon, and Ag Tech: Hanging out with a Doctor! - Eric Scherder
1:11:40
1:11:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:40We dive into the career and passions of Dr. Eric Scherder, a key figure at Corteva Agriscience. From his roots in Iowa to his role in shaping the future of agricultural innovations, Eric shares his experiences and wisdom. We discuss the most exciting advancements he’s been a part of, his advice for aspiring ag professionals, and his hopes for the n…
…
continue reading

1
386 - Tons of Sauerkraut: Capitalizing on the Fermented Food Boom
55:16
55:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:16Fermented foods are trending, and sauerkraut is having a moment! In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, host Damian Mason dives deep into the world of fermentation with Jorge Azevedo, CEO of Fermented Food Holdings. They discuss why ultra-processed foods are falling out of favor, the growing demand for probiotics, and why FFH moved to Wisc…
…
continue reading

1
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025
49:43
49:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:43Trevor will walk us through Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) plans, private product options, unit structure decisions, and key considerations for beginning and veteran farmers. We’ll also touch on how precision ag technology is shaping crop insurance and what farmers need to know about the latest Farm Bill developments. If you’re looking to protec…
…
continue reading

1
8th-Generation Farmer Zoe Kent on Running a Farm & Owning Her Story
1:04:15
1:04:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:15In this episode, we chat with Zoe Kent (@farmwithzoe), an Ohio-based corn and soybean farmer who has built an impressive social media following by sharing the ups and downs of farming life. Zoe talks about her journey from partnering with her dad to running the farm on her own, her passion for empowering women in ag, and how she turns negativity in…
…
continue reading

1
385 - Why Is Big Money Flooding into Farmland Right Now?
41:32
41:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:32For years, money flowed into Ag tech—until the tap ran dry. But there’s one area still attracting outside investment: farmland. Ben Gordon and Brian Grundtner from Fractal join Damian to discuss the evolving landscape of capital in agriculture. Their company is pioneering a model where investor funds help farmers acquire land, creating new opportun…
…
continue reading

1
Tech That Works for Farmers : Solutions for Precision & Efficiency
59:24
59:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:24First we learn about nitrogen stabilizers with Corteva for Spring use for the first 10 minutes then we sit down with Logan Handsaker, Product Sales Specialist at Ag Leader, to discuss how their latest precision ag innovations are simplifying farm operations and increasing efficiency. Logan shares his firsthand experience using Ag Leader products on…
…
continue reading

1
Breaking Yield Records: How Eric Reed the "Crop Critic" Farms for Profit
1:22:07
1:22:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:07Eric Reed, also known as @TheCropCritic, a first-generation farmer from Tennessee. Eric shares his journey from farming with his wife’s family on their cotton farm to expanding his operation to 1,500 acres of cotton, corn, and soybeans across Tennessee and Alabama. We dive into his high-yield successes, including winning multiple National Corn Grow…
…
continue reading

1
384 - Can Farming Shift to Health-Focused Food Production?
55:24
55:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:24Is agriculture ready to pivot from maximizing yields to prioritizing nutrient-rich, health-focused food production? Join Damian in a thought-provoking discussion with Iowa farmer and Ag entrepreneur Kelly Garrett and Ag venture capitalist Carter Williams. Explore the future of farming as surpluses rise, America’s health declines, and consumers dema…
…
continue reading

1
Breaking the Fragipan Barrier: New Solutions for Higher Yields
45:45
45:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:45In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we dive into fragipan soils—a major challenge impacting farmers across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee—with expert guests Dr. Murdock and Billy from AgX. Fragipan soils create a dense, compacted layer beneath the topsoil, restricting root growth and limiting access to nutrients and water, leading t…
…
continue reading

1
Ryan Kelly aka WITitan2 - Why Farming History Matters
1:10:39
1:10:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:39In this special episode recorded live at the North American Conservation & Drainage Expo, the Farm4Profit team sits down with Ryan Kelly, better known as WITitan2 on YouTube & TikTok. Ryan has built a dedicated following by sharing his passion for farming history, classic equipment, and the stories of the past generations who built agriculture into…
…
continue reading

1
383-Trade, Tariffs, Biofuel, Markets, Ag Tech, The Farm Bill & the Future of Ag (From FarmCon)
30:12
30:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:12From FarmCon 2025, Damian Mason sits down with three experts to tackle the biggest issues in American agriculture: trade, tariffs, biofuel, markets, Ag Tech, and the Farm Bill. Kevin Van Trump of the Van Trump Report dives into global agriculture markets and the key drivers of change. Roland Fumasi with RaboResearch highlights three must-watch tren…
…
continue reading

1
Building Resilience in Farming and Life - A Journey Through Tough Challenges
1:08:47
1:08:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:47We welcome Nina Sossamon Pogue, a former USA gymnast, Emmy award-winning news anchor, and bestselling author. The conversation centers around the theme of resilience, exploring how individuals can adapt to life's challenges and setbacks. Nina shares her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding resilience as the ability to adapt…
…
continue reading