The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Beef industry dynamics are under scrutiny: Cattle prices are dropping, imports are rising, and major packers like Tyson are scaling back operations. Is market consolidation hurting U.S. producers? Damian Mason speaks with Hyrum Egbert to analyze current trends, including packer power, price pressure, plant closures, and the role of imports. This is a must-listen for livestock producers, ag economists, and anyone invested in the future of American beef. Key topics covered: Tyson's plant closure and capacity cutbacks Trump-era beef policy and price messaging The rise in beef imports and its impact on U.S. ranchers Market consolidation in meat packing Long-term implications for beef producers and consumers The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Livestock manure remains one of the most undervalued tools in American agriculture. Despite its rich nutrient profile, soil health benefits, and potential to reduce fertilizer costs, manure is used on less than 10% of U.S. cropland. Meanwhile, synthetic fertilizer prices continue to climb. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Iowa farmer Kellie Blair and University of Minnesota manure specialist Dr. Nancy Bohl Bormann to discuss why it is time to reevaluate manure's role in crop fertility strategies. The conversation explores manure's contribution to nitrogen and phosphorus needs, its impact on soil biology, and the logistical and regulatory factors limiting broader adoption. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Sorghum is a drought-tolerant, high-protein, non-GMO grain with impressive versatility—from livestock feed to human consumption and even liquor production. Yet, despite these strengths, U.S. sorghum acres are shrinking, and prices remain below production costs. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Adam York, CEO of Kansas Sorghum Producers, to explore why sorghum remains undervalued in global markets. They examine challenges in sorghum branding, demand, and perception, and what the industry must do to elevate this under appreciated crop. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Joe Vaclavik, a market analyst and host of the Grain Markets and Other Stuff podcast, provides sharp insights on the current state of global grain markets. He discusses the pressures caused by oversupply and rising input costs, the impact of geopolitical tensions on U.S. agriculture, and potential shifts in trade dynamics, especially regarding China's demand and Brazil's influence. The conversation delves into the complexities of commodity pricing, the role of government support, and the future of crop rotations in the face of these challenges.

Agricultural producers excel at production but often struggle with promotion—especially in direct-to-consumer (DTC) markets. In this episode, business growth strategist Brian Frankel joins Damian Mason to break down the five essential steps in a consumer's buying decision. They explore motivational factors, perceived value, customer expectations, and the mindset shift required to sell effectively to modern consumers. Whether launching a DTC brand or improving outreach, this episode delivers actionable insights for farm-based entrepreneurs and agribusiness professionals. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Can seafood by-products help feed the future of agriculture? Damian Mason speaks with Norm Davy, President of Tidal Grow, about SeaPhos—a liquid fertility product made from up-cycled seafood waste. In 2025, Damian trialed the product on his Indiana farm and shares firsthand insights. This episode explores sustainable ag inputs, nutrient cycling, crop protection innovations, and the business hurdles startups face in entering the agricultural input space. Discover how environmental sustainability is driving new solutions in soil health, plant nutrition, and farming's future. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Despite making up 97% of U.S. farms, family operations often struggle with internal dysfunction. Andy "Caygeon" Junkin of Stubborn.farm joins Damian Mason to explain why many family farms face challenges such as poor communication, generational conflict, and lack of clear business structure. They explore the gap between public admiration and private mismanagement—and how these issues can be solved before it's too late. Learn how farm families can transition from emotional gridlock to sustainable, profitable businesses. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Agricultural input costs have surged by over 40% in recent years, squeezing farm profit margins. Damian Mason is joined by Steve Nicholson, Global Strategist at Rabobank, to examine the complex drivers behind high fertilizer, chemical, fuel, and equipment costs. Together, they explore global supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and the structural changes reshaping ag input pricing. This episode offers expert analysis on why costs remain elevated and what the future holds for farm economics. A must-listen for ag professionals seeking strategic insight. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.

Randy Barker, CEO of INTENT, specializes in driving crop input products from R&D to farm adoption. He discusses the rapid influx of biological products and the importance of rigorous testing in the field. Farmers are still eager to experiment but seek tangible ROI. Barker highlights the risks of chasing broad claims while urging for data-driven innovations. He also emphasizes the need to prove both environmental benefits and economic viability. With advancements in analytics and precision agriculture, the future of AgTech appears promising!

Beef prices are at record highs—and they may stay elevated well into the next decade. In this episode, Damian Mason outlines 10 compelling reasons to remain bullish on beef despite the traditional cattle cycle. From the collapse of fake meat alternatives to the rise of the MAHA (Meat At Home Again) movement, from shifting consumer economics to evolving land use, this episode explores why U.S. beef has a strategic edge in the protein marketplace. Ideal for cattle producers, ag investors, and protein market analysts, this discussion examines demand trends, competitive advantages, and the future of beef consumption. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary. This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.