The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Biologicals are the newest iteration in Ag inputs but they've actually been around for several decades and they still lack consistent results. Consolidation among Ag's biggest players has left just a handful of huge companies — will they all still be here in a decade? If so, who will they acquire? Meanwhile, farms are consolidating too (as they have been for almost a century), how does that change the Ag inputs biz? And what does the future look like in way of crop inputs and the manner in which they are developed, sold, and distributed? This and more is discussed in this episode of The Business of Agriculture with guests Galynn Beer and Brian Waugh of Agroliquid. Sponsored by Pattern Ag pattern.ag

Farm land prices are up. A lot! So are interest rates, input prices, and diesel fuel. What does all this mean heading into fall and for 2023? Should you buy acres to expand your Ag enterprise in this environment? How will a doubling of operating loan interest rates impact your bottom line. Jarod Creed of JC Marketing & Ag Financial Services in Iowa joins me to address those issues and questions. Bad news: Inflation is here for a while. Good news: Higher interest rates aren't as big a cost risk factor as you might think. Sponsored by Pattern Ag pattern.ag

50 years we didn't have much in the way of crop insurance. Then came the 80's and the realization it was smarter — and more financially sound— for the government to subsidize crop insurance. Today, more than 90% of American cropland acres are insured. But that's still not enough coverage for the amount of capital deployed in production Ag. Which is why new products and programs are being rolled out as the insurance industry evolves. Now covering livestock and specialty crop with an array of packages that make sense for producers — the insurance biz is changing. The folks from AgriSompo explain. Sponsored by Pattern Ag pattern.ag

The Columbia - Snake River system consists of 465 miles of river that acts as Agricultural infrastructure. The waterways and their 8 dams allow barges to move 10% of America's exported wheat and 40% of the inland Northwest's total wheat production. In short, the river system is vital for food production as well as the economies of Agriculturally dependent communities in three states. So why do environmental groups and certain politicians want to blow up the dams? Me and my panel of experts discuss how environmental activism is taking food off our plate. Sponsored by Pattern Ag pattern.ag

There's way more to Montana than just Yellowstone — the park AND the popular television show. Montana agriculture is diverse, productive, and as big as the Big Sky state. The state produces wheat, oats, flax, canola, camelina, lentils, peas, and more. Justin Miller, a fifth generation Montana farmer / rancher joins me to explain his farming operation that produces all those aforementioned crops. He is joined by Lance Lindbloom of 406 Agronomy to discuss Agriculture from the perspective of two native Montanans. They're no Kevin Costners, but I promise you'll be entertained and informed after hearing from these guys. Pop yourself a yellow jacket (Coors) and enjoy! Sponsored by Pattern Ag pattern.ag

Wheat prices are in record territory. Russia is reportedly seizing Ukrainian wheat and re-selling it. Africa and the Middle East might very well be starving soon, given wheat shortages. And the USA planted fewer acres of wheat last year than at any time on record, as farmers switched acreage to more profitable and higher-yielding crops. If wheat is in short supply even with high prices, is now the time to (finally) approve genetically engineered wheat? Darren Padgett, Oregon wheat producer and past chair of U.S. Wheat Associates joins Terry Wanzek, North Dakota state senator and farmer to discuss. Sponsored by Pattern Ag pattern.ag

While Ag's detractors often paint Agriculture as an environmental villain, I promote Agriculture as an environmental solution. Renewable energy, carbon sequestration, water filtration, and enviro benefit via land management are all enhanced through Agriculture. In the future we may also be a reservoir for carbon rich bio char and a supplier of alternative products — besides corn and soy — for renewable energy. Kore is a start-up company with technology they believe can work with Agriculture for energy and environmental benefit. Sponsored by Nori nori.com and Pattern Ag pattern.ag

Gas price hikes are a daily conversation and the exorbitant price of fuel is literally hyper-fueling inflation. The last time we saw conditions like this was the 1970s which gave rise to a new product — "Gasohol." From there, came the ethanol boom and biodiesel. But diesel from soybeans never really gained traction. And ethanol fueled the "no food for fuel" debates that have arisen with every food price increase. So, what is the future of Ag-based biofuel in a world pushing electric vehicles and "green energy?" Pete Meyer with S&P Global Commodity Insights delivers insights and information about the future of biofuel and frankly, it looks pretty darn good! Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel — if you haven't heard of these two products and what they may do to the Ag landscape, listen up!! Sponsored by Nori nori.com and Pattern Ag pattern.ag

We began incessantly hearing the words "supply chain" a year after we'd already been feeling the brunt of its breakdown. In Agriculture it became noticeable when meat and milk processing plants closed or couldn't convert to a new product mix during shutdowns. Then it moved to a supply problem, meaning, we didn't think we'd have the inputs necessary to produce food. We're past some of those immediate problems but we're far from being in the clear. Much of Ag's necessities — from herbicides to machinery parts — come from overseas. What's the future look like, and will we be paying these exorbitant prices forever? Will there be shortages and high freight rates in 2023 and beyond? Andrew Bower with OEC Group joins me to discuss logistics. Sponsored by Nori nori.com and Pattern Ag pattern.ag

2022 started off with dire predictions for production Agriculture's financial outlook. But, by mid spring the picture was changing, and by early summer a very profitable year was being predicted. Is that still the case? Are farm balance sheets going to swell? Or will interest rates and inflationary pressure on inputs create losses? Tim Koch, Chief Credit Officer for Farm Credit Services of America provides guidance on what he sees across his company's $40 billion loan portfolio. Sponsored by Nori nori.com and Pattern Ag pattern.ag