Farm Broadcaster, Lorrie Boyer

Elena Chavez, Southern Colorado territory manager for Halter, discussed their virtual fencing technology. Halter, based in Colorado, uses direct-to-satellite technology to manage large, mountainous ranges. The collars, designed for cattle, use auditory and electric cues for containment, and vibrations for positive reinforcement. The collars, made of durable Gorilla Glass, are intended for lifelong use. Halter's service costs $96 per collar per year and includes 24/7 human support. The technology helps producers manage pastures more efficiently, shorten gathering times, and monitor animal movement and distress.

The Colorado Farmable Program, funded by a 2501 grant held by Goodwill of Colorado, assists underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers in Colorado with agricultural business planning. The "From Field to Funded" course, lasting 8-10 weeks, provides no-cost business planning education, helping participants create lender-ready business plans. The program, which includes one-on-one technical assistance, has had 10 participants in its first cohort and aims for 10 per cohort. Success stories include a veteran flower farmer near Canyon City who is 90% complete with his business plan, aided by ongoing support from the program.

Kim Rounds, Talent Acquisition Manager at Five Rivers Cattle Feed Yard, discusses strategies for entering the agriculture industry. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing all relevant experiences, even if they seem unrelated to agriculture. Most jobs at Five Rivers are feedlot roles, with a smaller percentage in office positions. Rounds advises using online platforms to apply, but also suggests persistence and networking to stand out. She notes a significant increase in female applicants and managers, highlighting the need for flexible work policies to retain talent. Rounds also discusses the importance of soft skills and the evolving demographics of ag students, many of whom lack traditional ag backgrounds.

Tim Sickman, a Nutrien Technical Agronomist with over 40 years of experience, discussed current field conditions in Illinois and Kentucky, noting ideal planting conditions despite some dryness. He highlighted the importance of sulfur in soil fertility, emphasizing its role in chlorophyll production, amino acid development, and nitrogen use efficiency. Sickman explained that the Clean Air Act has reduced atmospheric sulfur, leading to a need for direct sulfur fertilization. He also noted that sulfur is less retained in soils, necessitating annual supplementation. Strickman's work focuses on balancing nitrogen and sulfur for optimal crop growth and yield.

Katie Strand, a fourth-generation farmer and soil conservationist in Washington County, Colorado, discussed her challenges in farming, including high input costs, drought, and succession planning with her brother. She highlighted the importance of the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP) in enhancing her leadership skills, networking, and understanding various aspects of agriculture, such as banking. Katie also mentioned the upcoming CALP seminar in Fort Morgan, which will include tours of agricultural facilities. She emphasized the program's role in improving her confidence and communication skills, essential for her farm's future.

The Ag Queen podcast discusses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Tom Michels of United Airlines and Allison Graab from the Sustainable Aviation Coalition. SAF is made from renewable products like corn, soybeans, and sorghum. The U.S. is a leader in SAF technology, with production rising 157% to 240 million gallons in 2025. Despite this, jet fuel use in 2025 was over 26 billion gallons, projected to reach 31 billion by 2045. SAF doesn't require new infrastructure and can help airlines mitigate fuel price volatility, making it a strategic investment for long-term resilience.

Alex Miller, a cow-calf producer from Brighton, Colorado, shared his journey of overcoming a 2014 car accident that led to the amputation of both his legs. Initially hesitant about the Colorado AgrAbility program, he was encouraged by his caseworker, Candy, to participate. AgrAbility provided him with assistive technology, including a portable cattle handling system and an all-terrain track chair, which significantly improved his ability to work on his farm. These tools boosted his confidence and mental well-being, enabling him to resume daily operations. Alex emphasized the importance of reaching out for help and praised AgrAbility for its transformative impact on his life

Shay Foulk, lead consultant at Ag View Solutions, discusses his role in helping farm operations with succession planning, cost of production, and business growth. He uses the Farm Profit Manager tool to optimize cost of production and offer an annual executive business conference and peer group sessions. Faulk emphasizes the importance of clear communication, family and business governance, and accountability in transition planning. He highlights the need for detailed financial planning and the risks of undivided interest in estate plans, which can threaten farm sustainability across generations

Ethan AX, a senior manager of training and development at GrowMark, discussed his background in agriculture and leadership development. He talked about how his background led to his involvement in the Illinois Ag Leadership Program, which includes diverse participants and provides broad perspectives on agriculture. Ethan shared insights from recent program activities, such as visits to Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois, and meetings with lawmakers and industry associations in Washington, D.C. He emphasized the importance of leadership, crisis communication, and adapting to industry changes. Ethan also noted the upcoming international trip to Vietnam and Singapore, which will focus on trade and agricultural opportunities.

Kooper Kitterman, a sophomore and Sentinel from Stark County High School in Illinois, discussed his experiences with the Next Gen program through the National FFA. He participated in a conference focused on power and technical systems, touring facilities like the John Deere Lawn Care plant and BASF chemical plant.

Karla Gage, an associate professor of weed science and plant biology in the School of Agricultural Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences at Southern Illinois University, discusses the use of barley as a weed suppressant. Barley, which produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit weed growth, is a lower-biomass alternative to cereal rye. Gage's research shows that barley suppresses weeds like Palmer Amaranth and waterhemp as effectively as high-biomass cereal rye. Barley also helps conserve soil moisture and can be planted into soybeans without significant nitrogen loss. Despite its benefits, Gage emphasizes the need for pre-emergent herbicides due to deer grazing and herbicide resistance evolution.

Cheryl B. Mitchell, founder of Farm Legacy Now, discussed succession planning for farms. She emphasized the importance of having legal and financial plans to ensure farm operations continue across generations. Cheryl shared her background as a dairy farm daughter and educator, now focusing on farm legacy protection. She highlighted common challenges, such as family communication issues and emotional barriers, and provided examples of families without plans facing land loss and family discord. Cheryl's role includes facilitating discussions, coordinating with legal and financial professionals, and helping families navigate complex decisions. She also authored a book, "Farm Legacy or Loss," to guide families through the process.

Jake Walker, Director of Marketing for Loveland Products, discussed the importance of adjuvants in crop protection. Adjuvants like Choice Trio and Infuse enhance herbicide effectiveness, extending residual periods by 3-10 days. Infuse, in particular, can add 3-10 days of residual control. Walker emphasized the rigorous testing protocols, including over 300 field trials last year, to ensure product efficacy. He also highlighted the role of adjuvants in managing abiotic stress and maintaining soil health. 

Mark Gebhards, an honorary master farmer, discusses his career in advocating for Illinois agriculture. He highlights his role in creating the Livestock Management Facilities Act and his work with organizations like the Illinois Farm Bureau, American Soybean Association, and Illinois Pork Producers Association. Gebhart emphasizes the importance of building relationships with legislators and state agencies to influence policies affecting agriculture. He also stresses the need for farmers to engage more with the food industry and mentor younger generations. Gebhart's career reflects a lifelong commitment to advocating for sustainable and economically feasible agricultural regulations.

Jessica Brophy, President of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed her experiences at the recent Commodity Classic in San Antonio, which saw record attendance of over 12,000 people. She highlighted the council's participation in National Corn Growers Association meetings, emphasizing the importance of E15 for corn profitability. Key topics included profitability, market exploration, and innovative uses for corn, such as athletic wear. Technological advancements like AI and drones were also noted. Jessica stressed the importance of farmers staying informed about their operations and local challenges, such as water and input costs. The Radical Challenge, a competition for new corn-related ideas, was also mentioned. 

ADM has partnered with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) to provide $500,000 in support to farmers in six Midwest states, including Illinois, to enhance resilience and succession planning. AFT will offer direct technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning, and small grants through the Brighter Future Fund. The partnership aims to address the demographic challenges facing farmers, with an estimated 300 million acres of farmland set to change hands in the next decade. AFT's expertise in farmland protection and estate planning will be crucial in guiding farmers through these transitions. 

Kevin Brooks, a farm business management and marketing educator at the University of Illinois, discussed the impact of the war in Iran on agriculture and farm finances

Kevin Brooks, a farm business management and marketing educator at the University of Illinois, discussed the impact of the war in Iran on farm finances

Josie Pukrop, a member of the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP), shared her background in agriculture, including her experience on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and her current role as a 4-H Youth Development Educator in Jefferson County, Colorado. She discussed her involvement in the CALP, highlighting the program's benefits, such as forming deep relationships and gaining professional development.

Lizzie French, Manager of Soil Biology at Waypoint Analytical, discussed the importance of soil health for crop productivity and farm profitability. She emphasized the role of soil biology in nutrient use efficiency and resilience against stresses. French highlighted the new DNA-based soil biology test, which measures microbial biomass and nutrient cyclers, providing detailed recommendations for soil health management. She also addressed common soil health challenges, such as low biological activity, and the benefits of minimizing soil disturbance and feeding soil biology. The discussion also covered the role of biological products and the importance of regular soil testing to optimize nutrient cycling and crop nutrition.

Marcel Klinge, Founder and CEO of Bushel Plus, discussed their mission to optimize harvest efficiency and reduce grain loss. Their flagship product, the Smart Pen system, measures grain loss using a magnetic drop pen and smartphone app. They also acquired Mad Concaves, offering quick-change concaves for various crops. Additionally, they introduced the Mini Combine, a portable thresher for field moisture testing. Bushels Plus also offers educational programs through its Harvest Academy to improve combine setup and efficiency.

Bryan Doherty, vice president, Brokerage Solutions, Total Farm Marketing, gave insigned on the weather on commodity markets, particularly wheat and corn. He shared information on current and near-future trends and marketing dynamics in this interview with Lorrie Boyer. 

Rachel Curry, a statewide agriculture and agribusiness educator with the University of Illinois Extension, discussed the adoption and benefits of cover crops.

Lorrie Boyer interviews Rob Kay, North American Business Development for Flexxiare, about their reversible radiator fans for diesel engines. Rob explains that Flex Air is busy with farmers in Western Canada preparing for spring, retrofitting fans for sprayers and tractors to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. 

Elena Meyer, Director of Marketing and Communications for the International Poultry Welfare Alliance and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, discussed the organizations' efforts in sustainability and welfare. Part two of this two-part interview. 

Elena Myhre, Director of Marketing and Communications for the International Poultry Welfare Alliance and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, discussed the organizations' efforts in sustainability and welfare. The US Roundtable, founded in 2019, has released two sustainability reports, covering 101 voluntary metrics under three pillars: people, planet, and poultry.

Elena Myhre, Director of Marketing and Communications for the International Poultry Welfare Alliance and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, discussed the organizations' efforts in sustainability and welfare. The US Roundtable, founded in 2019, has released two sustainability reports, covering 101 voluntary metrics under three pillars: people, planet, and poultry. Key findings include a 90% reduction in recordable incidence rates from 1994 to 2025 and significant improvements in worker support and water use. The framework aims to provide comprehensive, neutral data to support industry sustainability and potential future consumer engagement

Nathan Weathers from the Colorado Corn Promotion Council and the US Grains Council discussed a recent trip to Panama, highlighting the importance of the Panama Canal for U.S. trade routes.The canal, which is a freshwater system, faced a drought that delayed shipments, affecting 60 to 100 boats. The trip emphasized the need for U.S. infrastructure updates. Weathers noted the increasing export of diverse products like ethanol and sorghum, with ethanol demand particularly high in the marine industry. A European shipping company is transitioning to E1100 fuel, showcasing global interest in U.S. ethanol. The trip also underscored the US Grains Council's role in international trade deals, such as the India trade deal.

Kelsey Graver, Product Line Manager for corn at Clarkson Grain, discussed the organic grain industry in Illinois. She noted that while organic growth feels stagnant, there's a shift towards non-GMO crops due to premiums.

Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, Dean of Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences, discussed her background and the strategic roadmap for the college. The roadmap aligns with the university's goals, focusing on student success, research, institutional competitiveness, rural engagement, and democracy and civic engagement. Key initiatives include ensuring every student has multiple internships, promoting sustainability in research, and engaging in policy-informed research. The college is thriving, with significant grant funding and faculty excellence, despite national trends of decline among land-grant universities

Andrew Pritchard, Senior Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien, discussed the unusual winter weather patterns in the U.S., noting a split between milder conditions in the West and severe cold in the East. He attributed this to a La Niña-influenced jet stream. Pritchard predicted a transition to El Niño by late February, which could bring more storm systems and potentially alleviate the drought in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, where significant drought persists. He also mentioned the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality and the need for timely moisture to prevent dust storms. 

Kathie LaPoint, an agronomist for Pioneer Seed, discusses her background and involvement in the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP). She highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in agriculture, having grown up in town with farm ties from her mother's side. LaPoint emphasizes the common challenges faced by ag producers across the U.S., such as government overreach and water scarcity. She also details the upcoming Colorado Ag Forum, themed "Rooted in Resilience," focusing on policy impacts and economic challenges. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and workshops, aiming to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees.

Erich Miche, CEO of SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), and Brent Boydston, a board member, discussed the organization's mission to eliminate the stigma of suicide and provide resources for prevention. Founded 36 years ago, SAVE collaborates with various organizations, including the CDC and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to offer tools like physical barriers and gun locks. They emphasized the importance of open conversations about suicide and introduced their programs, One Step Ahead, to help individuals recognize and intervene in potential suicides.

Garrett, a precision agronomist and team lead at Advanced Agrilytics, discusses the company's focus on agronomic consulting using proprietary and patented tools for sub-acre management. They analyze farm data to create tailored strategies for seeding, fertility, and fungicide applications, considering factors like soil moisture and nitrogen loss. Williams highlights the importance of sub-acre management decisions, citing examples from the 2025 planting season. He also emphasizes the role of research conducted by Advanced Agrilytics and its sister company, AIP, in informing data-driven decisions to optimize crop performance and profitability. Garrett advises farmers to focus on management during the 2026 planting season to ensure profitability amidst tight margins.

Vikkie Becker a farmer from Northwest Morgan County, discussed her extensive involvement in agriculture and leadership programs. She works part-time at a local radio station and is part of the Illinois Soybean Association LEAD program, serving as a mentor. Vicki also leads Illinois Agri Women, an affiliate of American Agri Women, with around 250-300 members. She highlighted the "Women Changing the Face of Ag" conference and the new "AG Go 3" program. Additionally, Vicki is involved in raising goats and is considering running for county commissioner, balancing her busy schedule with her passion for agriculture.

Beth Ray, an ag business management instructor at Northeastern Junior College, discusses her role in helping farmers and ranchers with bookkeeping and business planning. She also runs a first-generational farm in Joes, Colorado, with her husband, focusing on dryland crops and a custom hay business. Beth transitioned from being an FFA advisor to a part-time junior college instructor to balance family and business. She joined the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP) to enhance her skills and network. Beth highlights her experiences, including a cranberry farm visit in Massachusetts, and her involvement in planning the upcoming Governor's Ag Forum in Westminster, Colorado, with a theme of "Rooted in Resilience."

Ian O’Banion, the new Stewardship, Innovations, and Industry Partners Manager at the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed his background and role. His responsibilities include managing research proposals, focusing on water quality, sustainability, and new uses for corn. 

Thaddeus Bates, senior manager of applied research at Nutrien Ag Solutions, discussed the importance of data in agriculture. He emphasized the need for data to drive decisions, especially with tight margins and high variability. Bates highlighted the role of precision agriculture in managing soil variability and optimizing fertility inputs. He noted that data helps in right-sizing rates and matching products to environments. For 2026, Bates advised growers to focus on maximizing ROI amidst tight budgets and high input costs. He also mentioned the importance of local agronomists in accessing innovation farm insights, which are available to all growers, not just Nutrien clients.

Cyndi Hofmeister, Executive Director of Colorado Ag in the Classroom, discussed her role and the program's mission to increase agricultural literacy. The program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides free or low-cost educational materials to classrooms, reaching 350,000 people annually. They have expanded from 400 classrooms in 2023 to 2,400 in 2025. Key projects include the Readers Journey 2050, literacy kits, and the Colorado Ag Institute. Hoffmeister highlighted recent collaborations with the Colorado Beef Council, Colorado Wheat Growers, and the Colorado Potato Administration Committee. The program aims to connect students and teachers to food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources, aligning with state standards and STEAM education.

Mark Gebhards, the Illinois Farm Bureau Eagle award winner, discussed his extensive career in agriculture as he was named the Illinois Farm Bureau Eagle Award winner at the 2025 annual meeting. 

Kevin Brooks,  University of Illinois Extension farm business management and marketing educator, discusses the importance of evaluating balance sheets for farm businesses. He notes that while many farms are in good shape, others are struggling, with some potentially facing insolvency despite government programs.

Aaron Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer of New Leaf Symbiotics, discussed the company's 13-year history and its focus on developing microbial solutions for agriculture. New Leaf's primary product, a probiotic for plants called PPFM, helps plants withstand stressors and improve health. https://newleafsym.com.

Andrew Pritchard, a senior atmospheric scientist at Nutrien, discusses his role in analyzing weather impacts on crops, providing weather safety training, and supporting farmers and crop consultants. He produces weather videos and email reports, tailored to different levels within the company, and frequently interacts with divisions in Nebraska, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Pritchard highlights the early, cold, and snowy start to the winter in the Corn Belt, emphasizing the need for winter weather safety measures, including cold stress prevention, safe travel, and carbon monoxide awareness. He advises avoiding unnecessary travel during peak winter storms to prevent accidents and hypothermia.

Rural Minds, a four-year-old nonprofit that focuses on mental health equity for the 46 million people in rural America. The organization addresses the disproportionate mental health resources available in urban and suburban areas compared to rural areas. Recent challenges include potential tariff reductions affecting agricultural commodities, the impact of COVID-19 on rural communities, and the loss of 115,000 farm workers in the last four months. Rural Minds has launched a youth-focused program in New York and Pennsylvania, highlighting a 74% higher suicide rate among rural youth compared to urban counterparts. The organization emphasizes community partnerships, peer-to-peer support, and resources like the 988 crisis line to address these issues.

Interview with incoming board President, Jessica Brophy. 

Nathan Troudt from Trout Meats discussed the official opening of his USDA-inspected processing facility located eight miles north of Otis, Colorado. The facility handles pork, beef, lamb, and goats, with pork typically processed on Fridays. Troudt highlighted the extensive paperwork and meetings required for USDA inspection. He noted a strong local and regional customer base, with a preference for paper-wrapped meat due to nostalgia and long-term freezer storage. 

Tristan Cravens, a senior computer science student at Illinois State University and IT innovation intern at GrowMark, discussed his participation in the Gateway to Agriculture Careers Program. The program, which aims to integrate agriculture into the digital age, sent six students to a three-day conference in Clearwater Beach. Cravens highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture, citing a keynote speaker who discussed using AI to predict white mold in soybeans. He also mentioned networking with companies like Land O'Lakes and Drain Farm in North Dakota. The conference emphasized the need for trust and effective communication in implementing new technologies in agriculture.

Learn more about the Colorado Young Farmer and Rancher program, which is for individuals aged 18-35 interested in agriculture. The Colorado Farm Bureau aims to develop future leaders in agriculture through initiatives like the Discussion Meet competition, which helps participants hone public speaking and collaboration skills. The upcoming leadership conference on February 6-7 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, will feature hands-on learning sessions and keynote speakers Cassidy Johnson and Aaron Alejandro. Registration opens early December and closes mid-January, with early bird discounts available.

Keaton Dugan, a senior manager at Pinion Global,  emphasized the importance of long-term tax planning for farmers, advising them to consider future needs and not just minimize taxes annually. Dugan highlighted key strategies such as deferred grain contracts, crop insurance deferrals, and bonus depreciation. He also stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping, timely communication with CPAs, and understanding the impact of pre-paid expenses and capitalized assets on tax planning.

Brian Knifong, Nutrien Ag Solutions Head of Marketing for North America. He emphasized the importance of soil sampling post-harvest to inform crop planning for 2026. He also stressed the value of biologicals and bio-stimulants in enhancing fertilizer efficiency. Brian concluded by encouraging farmers to control controllables and leverage digital tools like the Nutrient Hub for better decision-making.