The Business of Agriculture Podcast

They say there are only four people who understand milk pricing and three of them are dead. Lucky for us, John Newton, Chief Economist of the American Farm Bureau Federation is the one who's alive. He joins me for an informative discussion on milk pricing. Milk pricing — not necessarily what the consumer pays at Kroger, but the pricing for producers — is set through a complex formula originally created by an act of government in 1933. You'll find this educational and slightly entertaining. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Rob Saik joins me to give highlights from his address to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, where he stood up for a vilified modern agriculture. We discuss the hypocrisy of anti-agriculture movements, global reality, COVID's lessons for Ag, technology shortening time and distance for food production, and the future. Pull up a chair for never-dull discussion. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Without hops, there is no beer. That's reason enough for you to listen to this podcast because this episode explains the hop industry from farm to frosty glass. Ann George, executive director of Hop Growers of America and Michelle Gooding of Gooding Farms - an Idaho hop producer, explain the production and business side of this vital ingredient. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Agriculture begins with and depends on soil. If you farm, your most valuable asset is likely land. So what is that land worth? Are values up, down, or stable this year? What's the outlook for 2021? How much farm land is owned by investors? Is it true that farmers are going bankrupt and liquidating their land in large numbers? What impact are farm programs having on property prices? If they're not making any more land" is that a good reason to buy? These and other questions are covered in this episode with Howard Halderman, president of Halderman Real Estate Services. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

It's helpful to gain perspective from other Ag professionals. I taped this episode from the National Ag Aviation Association convention and trade show. My guests are Mark Kimmel and Darrin Pluhar, owners of aerial application businesses in Mississippi and Montana, respectively. We discuss: The future of Ag input application via air, drone, and otherwise, the impact of consolidation, regulation, cropping changes, and the evolution of Ag as seen from the cockpit. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

The pandemic has been good for Christmas tree farmers. Customers seeking an "authentic" holiday have bid up demand for real trees. After reading two articles about tree shortages, I decided to get the straight scoop from those in the know. Oregon tree farmer Casey Grogan joins me, along with National Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Tim O'Connor. This is a festive and informative episode I encourage you to share with your artificial tree owning friends. The 15,000 American farms that produce our holiday greenery appreciate your support. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Farming is a multi-variant problem. Meaning, from geography to weather to inputs, there are as many as 70 different multiples that factor into on-farm profitability. Nick Horob, founder of Harvest Profit, Inc. joins me to discuss technology, farm accounting, acre management, business practices, and the future of production Agriculture. This is a fun and moving conversation with an entrepreneurial flair with my friend Nick — you'll want to share it after enjoying it yourself! Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Take a drive through rural America, and you're sure to see windmills. Not the old fashioned metal blades and structure pumping water from yesteryear, but modern 300 foot monoliths. They're big, they pay landowners a nice lease payment, and if you talk to enough rural people you'll find they're controversial. North Dakota farmer, agri-entrepreneur, friend of show, and wind energy proponent, Dennis Haugen joins me to discuss wind energy. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Jason Mauck came back to the farm ten years ago from his role a landscape owner. Being a small business owner taught him the value of having many customers. He also learned the importance of maximizing revenue from each customer. He now brings that approach to Agriculture. Jason and I discuss his latest ventures — Munsee Meats, pasture pork, and an Automated Farmers Market. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com

Production Agriculture, at the commodity level, favors the low cost producer. So where can costs be shaved? Mitch Eviston asked that very question. His answer: through reducing redundancies in the channel — from manufacturer to distribution to retail to, eventually the farm. Call it the Amazon effect of Ag inputs — Mitch and his company, Meristem, believe it is imminent. Beyond the cost savings, a goal for the company is to increase customer convenience. We discuss this and where we might see more channel-free marketing in Ag. Sponsored by Harvest Profit harvestprofit.com