The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Dennis Haugen is a North Dakota farmer who ran a side business cleaning grain. In 1995 a 50- car train derailment on his farm sparked another business venture: salvage work. Mr. Haugen still farms but his business has grown into various other endeavors. He has his own trademarked radish brand for cover crop mixes and his company, General Grain, handles salvage jobs all over North America. What happens when a barge of distillers grain catches on fire en route to New Orleans? Or an entire ship of fraudulently labeled organic grain from Ukraine is left to rot on the dock in Baltimore? That's where Dennis comes in. In The Business of Agriculture you've gotta look for the next opportunity. This is an interesting and inspirational listen!

When I was a kid, we went to the co-op every week to get our feed ground. The highlight for me was a bottle of ice cold Choc-ola from the vending machine! Much has changed for the cooperatives serving farmers since then, just as much has changed in Agriculture. They've merged, expanded, and renamed, but co-ops still serve Agriculture. In this episode I talk to Stan Feekes, general manager of Farmers Co-Op Society for perspective on the past, present, and future of this unique aspect of rural American agricultural development.

When Ford or Google advance humanity through technology, we hail their progress. So, why is innovation in food production treated differently? I sit down with Ag entrepreneur, businessman, and authority on genetic engineering in Ag, Rob Saik. We have a spirited, and informative talk about: the environmentalism of GMOs, how The Non-GMO Project proliferates ignorance via "butterfly bullshit," and Rob's assertion that we're entering the era of Agriculture 5.0.

There's an issue that all businesses in all industries face: Do you sell what you're good at making or do you make what you can sell. The day I recorded this podcast a genetics company publicized a pig they'd developed with 24% less fat. But the marketplace didn't ask for a low fat pig. Well heeled consumers are paying premiums for pork with more fat. Why? Because we spent several decades breeding the fat out of pigs during the era of "low fat" food marketing. When the fat left, so did the flavor and moisture. Joining me to talk about meat, flavor, and food innovations that sell is food author, steak lover, and all around foodie, Mark Schatzker.

Environmentalism is the latest weapon deployed by those who seek control over what people eat while putting animal agriculture out of business. One of the biggest arguments against meat, milk, and eggs is resource usage and management of manure. Jeramy Sanford, Nutrient Separation Specialist with GEA joins me to talk about the future of manure. We also talk money, nutrient management, and appealing to environmentalism in Animal Ag.

The cost of compliance with burdensome regulations makes American Ag less competitive in world markets. Federal regulations and EPA overreach effect all of us in agriculture but farms in California face greater scrutiny. My guest is Eric Bream, California citrus grower, olive producer, and voice of the opposition. We discuss why it won't be the price of crops that puts farmers out of business — it'll be the price of regulation!

What areas of employment in Ag are hot? Where is the glut? What skills are employers craving in new hires? How do you set yourself apart from the competition to land your dream job? Tim Hammerich of Agri-Associates joins me to talk professional opportunities in Ag and much more. He should know, he's a professional recruiter. He's also a podcaster — "The Future of Ag"— which I've been a guest on twice, a former grain merchandiser, and past president of the National FFA. This episode offers advice and insights for everyone in Ag, from employers to job seekers to entrepreneurs.

My guest is Jack Britt, a scientist, teacher, entrepreneur, and prior to all that, Dr. Britt was a professor for 40 years. Jack is also a consultant and speaker to the Business of Ag, so I brought him in to discuss public misconceptions the general public has about farming. Why the masses think family farms are dying, the mistaken belief farms are going away, or that farms are tearing out timber to make crops (that's only happening in other countries!). We also discuss the Ag economy with some historical perspective and, because Jack is a dairy farm kid like me, we talk milk. Stay tuned til the end, Jack has some good advice regarding the Business of Agriculture's environmental footprint.

While I have issues with how organic food is marketed, I don't oppose organic farming or farmers. We're all involved in the same business: Agriculture My guest, Andy Ambriole of BioSteward Farms, is a sharp young man who farms 1,100 acres of organic barley, wheat, soybeans, and corn. He's also been actively engaged (sometimes enraged!) with me on social media. The organic sector expanded by 23% last year according to NASS. Let's talk organic!

We in Ag are commonly told to "improve our elevator speech." Only problem, I hate talking to people in elevators. Worse yet, we in Ag are outgunned by highly paid, trained PR staffs from cause groups such as PETA and HSUS. I bring in former newspaper editor and communication expert, Mike Perkins, to help you improve how you talk, write, listen, and communicate your message to the world.