The Business of Agriculture Podcast

What 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 (our trade deficit is equal to Holland's entire economy), the impact on consumer purchases (it might be overstated), and why manufacturing (much like Agriculture) matters for national security. Damian delivers pointed perspective on the trade turmoil and closes by asking American Agriculture, "When will you finally learn your lesson about China?" 🎯 Key Topics: Trade protectionism vs. free market economics U.S. trade deficit and global competitiveness Tariffs, consumer impact, and market dynamics Agriculture and manufacturing as national security pillars Strategic risks of over-reliance on China 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 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 discuss a new digital platform designed to improve farm profitability through peer-to-peer equipment rentals. AgShared enables farmers and ag dealers to generate income from underused machinery, while providing cost-effective rental options to other producers. Explore how this "Airbnb model" for ag equipment is driving efficiency, increasing cash flow, and offering practical solutions for modern farm management. 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.

Global 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 shift means for the future of global commerce. Topics include the demographic and economic forces driving deglobalization, historical context behind tariff use, and the implications for U.S. agriculture and international trade. Learn why trade wars may no longer be temporary disruptions, but instead a long-term feature of global economic policy. 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.

In 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 solutions derived from agricultural byproducts. In this episode, CEO and founder Brian Tulley joins Damian Mason to discuss his journey from big Ag to launching a startup, the role of biologicals in modern farming, and the evolving future of Ag retail. Is Ag retail on the brink of transformation—or survival? Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of production agriculture! The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag https://newfieldsag.com/ Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Gripp Gripp.ag 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.

Is 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 Alberta. After leaving the commercial real estate sector in 2007, Robert turned to farmland, citing water security, climate change, and the decline of arable land worldwide as key factors driving his investment. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on the economics of farmland, global instability, and the shifting agricultural landscape. Tune in to discover why farmland is becoming a sought-after asset and what the future holds for Canadian agriculture. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the world's most essential and evolving industries! The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag https://newfieldsag.com/ Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Gripp Gripp.ag 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.

The 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 innovations shaping modern farming. Discover how the next generation of farmers can navigate rising costs, land ownership challenges, and evolving technology in this insightful conversation on the future of agriculture. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag https://newfieldsag.com/ Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Gripp Gripp.ag 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.

The 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 nutrition, and sustainability are driving the shift away from traditional ag inputs. Can biological solutions enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers? Tune in to find out! The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag https://newfieldsag.com/ Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Gripp Gripp.ag 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.

With 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. But what would happen if American farmers were pushed to meet USDA organic standards? In this episode, Damian Mason explores the potential impacts—good, bad, and uncertain—of RFK's push for an organic revolution. Will it reshape the Business of Agriculture, or is it an impractical vision? Tune in for a deep dive into the future of food in America! The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag https://newfieldsag.com/ Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Gripp Gripp.ag 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.

Fermented 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 Wisconsin—home to serious sauerkraut expertise. Plus, you won't believe how much cabbage comes off an acre! (Spoiler: it's a whopping 45 tons!) Tune in for a fun and insightful look at the business behind the brine. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: AGVisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Redox Bio-Nutrients redoxgrows.com Gripp Gripp.ag 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.

Ben Gordon and Brian Grundtner from Fractal bring their expertise to the discussion on why farmland is attracting substantial investment. Ben, a North Dakota farm kid turned equity market expert, and Brian focus on innovative financing strategies that align farmer needs with investor goals. They delve into the impact of rising interest rates on land ownership dynamics and the importance of equity partnerships. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of agricultural finance and how external capital is reshaping the future of farming.