Tighter crop margins lead us to believe the machinery market is beginning to weaken. Is that the case? Machinery Pete discusses what he sees across the industry. We take a look at market sectors that are strong and others that show weakness, plus we discuss things to keep in mind if you are buying or selling tractors and equipment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cliché says to not put all your eggs in one basket. This past Top Producer winner is very successful in farming, but they have also diversified into several baskets, so-to-speak, and that has allowed them to develop income streams in a variety of markets in rural and small town America and help those very communities along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA’s prospective plantings report showed a decline in the number of acres intended to be in corn production this year, but perhaps the biggest surprise is that there appears to be six and a half million acres of crop ground that is unaccounted for. Chip Flory and I discuss the year ahead, including tighter margins, marketing strategies and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying, selling, trading and the like are a part of life and a part of business. How do you become a better negotiator and work to help both parties in the process? We take a look at some of the keys from an expert in the field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we prepare to plant this year’s crop, margins are tight and it may be difficult to pencil a profit this year and perhaps for some time. Where should you cut costs and where should you invest in inputs? Ken Ferrie helps us evaluate those decisions, plus we discuss unseasonably warm weather in most parts of farm country and keys to keep in mind for those considering earlier than normal planting.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The title alone, “Organic versus Conventional” implies there is a debate. Perhaps one is better than the other? Maybe consumers desire one and despise the other? Is that really the case for farmers or consumers? We have an enlightening conversation about where farming and food production is headed and how all of us can stay on the innovative and profitable side of change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About three years ago we visited with former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman about a new book he had just written. Many of his thoughts then still ring true today. I thought it would be fun to look back to hear him talk about life, agriculture, politics and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us are after bigger yields, but what will it take for the country to average 100 bushel beans and 300 bushel corn? It’s a discussion that covers many topics and we visit with someone who looks at the challenges and possible solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us listening to these broadcasts have a tie to agriculture. Perhaps you have a farm, business and or land that you will pass to a next generation or sell to others interested in the industry. Those generational transitions can be filled with emotion and doubt – wondering if we are doing the right thing to be fair to all and help everyone succeed. This week we discuss some of the common mistakes that are made in that process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year most economic prognosticators expected a recession on the horizon. What has changed in the past year? Where are interest rates headed? What is the farm economic forecast for the year ahead. We talk to Nate Kauffman at the KC Fed to get his perspective. Plus, we’ll talk about some of the latest initiatives from the United Soybean Board to boost soy uses and prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just about all of us need insurance, but not all of us are adequately covered. In sometimes difficult to know if we are over insured, under insured or have missed some critical areas all together. This week we visit with a man with years of experience working with ag operations and he provides a perspective on the changing challenge for land owners and farm operators, including liability protection, insuring fleets of trucks and protecting against large claims. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual Practical Farm Research data is something many farmers, including myself, use to make agronomic decisions. What are the key takeaways from the annual field trials and what should we consider for the upcoming season and beyond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us listening to this broadcast are either from or live in and around smaller towns. We depend on those places for our schools, groceries, supplies and much more. But what do you do when buildings sit empty – sometimes for long periods of time. This small town had a unique way to start businesses and help their community meet the needs of its citizens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Brown is a respected voice in the ag industry when it comes to evaluating domestic and global agricultural markets. His insights into economic trends are ones that often have him on the road speaking to many farm based groups and ag clients. We talked about where we stand and where we may be headed in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pork industry is weathering a difficult time for many producers right now. Despite those challenges, there are reasons for optimism. We take a look at some of the opportunities in the pork sector and what those trends mean for all of us. What are the domestic and international hurdles to move pork producers’ bottom line back into the black and how do those forces impact the rest of the meat industry?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean Wysocki joins us to discuss the LRC model and what the long range weather forecast for the U.S this year. Which areas can expect drought and what regions will receive the best rainfall? Will it be an early or late planting season? We cover that and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think you’ll enjoy this week’s broadcast – I know I enjoyed talking with two individuals about practical, down-to-earth ways we can be a better leader, no matter whether we are the boss of a large business, or at the lower rungs of an organization. We all have ways to make a positive impact and as a sidelight, you’ll love the accent of our first guest! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s happened again. Hundreds of people are wandering around Rob’s front yard out on his farmstead about five miles outside of Le Mars, Iowa. It’s a tradition about three decades old now and it all began with one farm family who put up Christmas lights around their home and barns. Today it is a free attraction that brings hundreds of people here almost every night and it’s raising donations for local causes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just about anyone who has or does live in a rural area knows the challenges of connecting to the internet. Poor connectivity isn’t just a nuisance, it costs operators money. How can you help overcome those issues? Plus we discuss the challenges on the horizon for corn and soybean leaders and an outlook for the coming year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As farmers we hear about plenty of programs willing to pay us to use certain sustainable practices or perhaps pay a premium for commodities grown in a certain way. There’s nothing wrong with those programs but sometimes it’s difficult to sort through them all. Farmers for Soil Health is a new program supported by commodity groups through the USDA and could be a great option for many operations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.