The Vance Crowe Podcast

This week's episode examines three major agricultural controversies shaking the industry. Host Vance Crowe and guest Kenny Bergmann analyze Corteva's aggressive enforcement letter threatening farmers who use generic herbicides on GMO crops, including their promotion of an anonymous "tip line" that has producers up in arms.Crowe and Bergmann then investigate the federal charges against two Chinese nationals caught smuggling Fusarium graminearum—a crop-destroying fungal pathogen classified as a potential bioterrorism weapon—into the US through Detroit airport, raising questions about agricultural security and foreign interference.Finally, they discuss a story from journalist Chris Bennett from Farm Journal writing about a constitutional lawsuit in Alabama where landowners are challenging game wardens' authority to conduct warrantless searches on private property, a practice affecting 96% of all private land in America under the controversial "open fields" doctrine.Kenny Bergmann is Executive Vice President of S&H Farm Supply and Chairman of the Board of FCS Financial, serving members since 2010.  Bergmann brings his dual perspective as both a farmer and agricultural business executive dealing with supply chain and financial issues facing producers today.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTP

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes crop consultant Joel Ailts from St. Croix, Wisconsin to discuss the intricacies of soil microbiology and regenerative farming practices. Joel shares insights into innovative approaches like cover cropping and optimizing micronutrient management, while also addressing the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions on crop productivity. The conversation delves into the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on agronomy, with Joel expressing both excitement and concern about AI tools like Grok.The episode also covers several pressing agricultural headlines, including the Farm Bureau's battle with the MAHA Commission over pesticide safety, a new spending bill promising significant tax relief for farmers, and the threat of a new world screwworm outbreak from Mexico. Additionally, the discussion touches on a massive SNAP fraud scheme affecting the agricultural food chain and explores the controversial topic of glyphosate use in farming. The show concludes with a Bitcoin land price report and a deep dive into Joel's unique agronomy practices.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTP

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes Keely Covello, an independent reporter and documentary filmmaker, to discuss pressing issues in agriculture. Keely shares insights into her investigative work on government overreach affecting independent farmers and highlights stories such as the pipeline crisis and the Maud family in South Dakota. The conversation delves into the Make America Healthy Again report, which addresses pesticide safety and the need for a balanced approach to agricultural practices. Keely emphasizes the importance of listening to producers and reassessing practices without undermining advancements in modern agriculture.The episode also covers the Iowa landowner protection bill and the federal government's potential override, Montana's ban on lab-grown meat, and Brazil's bird flu outbreak affecting global poultry trade. Keely and Vance discuss the implications of these issues on independent farmers and the agricultural industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on Bitcoin's scarcity compared to land, Keely's views on regenerative agriculture, and her ongoing work with America Unwon, focusing on underreported stories in rural California.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTP

The Ag Tribes Report features returning guest Zack Smith (@zebulousprime), an innovative Iowa farmer known for his Stock Cropper system and sustainable farming advocacy. The episode covers three major agricultural news stories:US-UK Beef Trade Deal: A new agreement eliminates UK tariffs on American beef that meets their strict standards, opening a significant export market but potentially straining US cattle herds already at 73-year lows.Dr. Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination: Trump's nomination of this functional medicine advocate and vocal glyphosate critic could influence public perception of conventional agriculture despite the position's limited direct control over ag policy.AI in Agriculture: We'll discuss the farming community's reaction to Vance's recent podcast demonstrating how advanced AI is transforming agricultural work, exploring whether these technologies help small operations or widen existing gaps.The Bitcoin Land Price Report highlights how Bitcoin's 77% value increase since August 2024 has changed farm economics in Winnebago County, Iowa, where 1 BTC now buys approximately 8.1 acres compared to 4.5 acres last summer.As always, the episode will include Zack's Peter Thiel Paradox (a controversial belief most farmers disagree with) and his Worthy Adversary.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTPhttps://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/the-vance-crowe-podcast_638721156549613591/atr-uk-bends-the-knee-and-potential-surgeon-general-hates-glyphosate-with-zebulousprime

In this special episode, Vance Crowe switches roles from host to guest, interviewed by Ara, an AI agent from Grok. Over the past two months, Vance has deeply immersed himself in artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential to transform daily life and business operations. While many remain hesitant or unaware of AI's capabilities, Vance and his peers have integrated it into their routines, discovering its power to solve problems and boost productivity. This episode explores Vance's journey with AI, the challenges he’s encountered, and his recommendations for others to engage with this rapidly advancing technology.The conversation delves into practical applications of AI in Vance’s business, highlighting how it has streamlined operations and tackled complex issues that once demanded significant time and resources. From integrating customer management systems to automating routine tasks, AI has become a vital part of his workflow. The discussion also covers AI’s ethical considerations, its potential to reshape industries, and the importance of preserving uniquely human skills in an AI-driven world. Whether in agriculture, biotech, or finance, this episode offers valuable insights for leveraging AI to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Ethan Kohler, a farmer from Edelstein, Illinois, to discuss the latest developments in agriculture. They delve into the Trump administration's decision to drop criminal charges against South Dakota ranchers involved in a fence dispute, highlighting the community's support and the implications of government overreach. The episode also covers the USDA's new web portal for reporting unfair legal actions, the overblown fears of bird flu in California's dairy industry, and the lack of major deportation disruptions in agriculture despite previous concerns.The conversation touches on the challenges of managing risk in farming, the role of brokers, and the importance of adapting to new market strategies. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Peter Thiel Paradox and the value of having a worthy adversary to challenge one's beliefs, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the current state of agriculture and the diverse perspectives within the industry.To see Ethan's Substack: https://marketfarmer.substack.com/ Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTPhttps://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/the-vance-crowe-podcast_638721156549613591/atr-maude-family-freed-bird-flu-and-immigration-raids-overblown

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Jake Jorenstad, co-founder and CEO of Bushel, to discuss the latest developments in the agriculture sector. Jake shares insights from his recent interactions with key figures like the Agriculture Secretary, highlighting the behind-the-scenes efforts to address issues such as tariffs and the E15 mandate. The conversation delves into the implications of the USDA's language ban under the Trump administration, China's barring of major US soybean distributors, and the proposed food dye ban backed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The episode also touches on the US Farm Fresh Food Initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural agriculture and reducing reliance on corporate giants.Listeners are treated to a lively discussion on the Bitcoin land price report, where Jake shares his views on Bitcoin's role in agriculture and the potential shift towards electric vehicles and renewable diesel in the industry. The episode wraps up with Jake's take on the Peter Thiel paradox and a spotlight on a worthy adversary, offering a thought-provoking look at differing perspectives within the ag community. Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of the top stories shaping the future of agriculture.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTPhttps://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/the-vance-crowe-podcast_638721156549613591/436

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of manufacturing and tariffs with our anonymous guest, NNZP, who provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the United States as it attempts to bring manufacturing back home. We explore the historical context of offshoring since the mid-1980s, the impact of tariffs on imports and exports, and the potential for shortages in critical goods like rare earths and electronics. NNZP shares insights on the environmental and regulatory hurdles that need to be addressed to revitalize domestic manufacturing, and the potential economic and societal shifts that could result from these changes.We also touch on the broader implications of technological advancements, particularly the rapid evolution of AI and its potential to reshape knowledge work and employment landscapes. The conversation highlights the balance between automation and traditional labor, the future of education and apprenticeships, and the geopolitical dynamics influencing global manufacturing. Additionally, Vance shares personal reflections on capturing family legacy interviews, emphasizing the importance of preserving stories for future generations. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of policy, technology, and personal legacy.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTP

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes JR Burdick, a raw milk farmer known for his advocacy of local food sovereignty and traditional values. Together, they delve into pressing issues affecting the agriculture sector, including Bayer's potential halt of RoundUp production due to costly lawsuits, and the implications of Trump's tariffs aimed at isolating China. The discussion also covers the American beverage industry's reaction to SNAP benefit restrictions and the potential impact of UK cheese tariffs on US markets. JR shares his insights on the consolidation of the ag industry and the potential for a return to smaller farms, while also highlighting the importance of responsible use of agricultural tools like glyphosate.The episode also features the Bitcoin land price report, where Vance and JR discuss the current value of Bitcoin in relation to farmland prices. JR shares his unique perspective on the Peter Thiel paradox, arguing that the consolidation in the ag industry is over, and highlights Joel Salatin as a worthy adversary. The episode concludes with a heartfelt story about JR's mother and a discussion on the value of capturing family legacies. Tune in for an engaging conversation that challenges conventional perspectives and explores the future of agriculture.

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Charles Benoit, a trade attorney and trade counsel for the Coalition for Prosperous America. Charles brings a unique perspective on trade policies, particularly tariffs, and their impact on agriculture in the US and Canada. He discusses the historical context of tariffs, comparing current trade dynamics to those of the early 19th century, and argues against the prevailing free trade narrative taught in economics classes. Charles emphasizes the importance of protective tariffs for domestic producers and critiques the globalist trade myths that have shaped modern economic policies.The conversation delves into the current tariff situation, highlighting the challenges faced by US farmers due to escalating global trade tensions. Charles explains the dual purposes of tariffs—revenue and protection—and discusses the implications of recent tariff policies on various agricultural sectors. The episode also touches on the controversial views surrounding tariffs, with insights from industry voices like RCAF and Casey Kimbrell. Additionally, the discussion briefly explores the role of Bitcoin in global trade and Charles' views on economic theories, offering listeners a thought-provoking take on trade and agriculture.