Patio Ponderings

Send us Fan MailSean Arians and I have known each other for years through Ag Twitter, farming, and our work in agriculture. But it took a conversation while I was traveling to Philmont Scout Ranch for us to discover another connection: Sean had experienced Philmont as both a Scout and an adult leader.We begin with Philmont, resilience, and the leadership lessons learned when a group must reach the finish line together. From there, the conversation moves through community, knowing when to say no so someone else can say yes, making room for younger leaders and women in agriculture, Sean’s path through farming and the agricultural industry, and his newest challenge: becoming a pilot.We eventually arrive at a larger question. Why should people care about agriculture? Sean argues that agriculture touches far more lives, careers, businesses, and communities than most people recognize. Our responsibility is to Be safe out there.

Send us Fan MailJim expected a conversation about the differences between farming in Canada and the United States. Instead, he and central Alberta farmer John Kowalchuk kept finding the things farmers have in common.They talk about the financial pressure facing agriculture, the perpetual optimism that can make farmers resilient and sometimes get them into trouble, and what happens during those long hours alone in the tractor when productive thinking can turn into simply being stuck in your own head.The conversation eventually moves to John's years of sharing farm life on social media. Why show the broken combine along with the good crop? What responsibility comes with having an audience? Can the people following you become accountability partners? And when thousands of followers are possible, what does meaningful influence actually look like?John also explains the story behind #RegularFarmer and why being comfortable as a "regular farmer" can be harder than it sounds. That leads Jim and John into competition between farmers, farm size, success, retirement, and a question that doesn't get asked very often in agriculture:When is enough enough?Different countries. Different crops. Different governments and currencies.But maybe a regular farmer in Alberta isn't all that different from a regular farmer in northeast Indiana.Be Safe Out There!

Send us Fan MailCory Ritter and I go back to the early days of Ag Twitter and something called Cory Corn. Today, Cory farms near Blue Mound, Illinois, and works as Midwest Regional Sales Manager for Huma.We started this conversation pondering what farmers are getting wrong, why comfort can keep us from changing, what Cory Corn taught him about social media, and how being a farmer influences the way Cory approaches sales.Then the conversation turned.Our conversation happened on the one-year anniversary of the grain-bin accident that killed Cory's father and farming partner, Tom. Cory talks openly about the accident, the questions he still carries, nearly walking away from farming, and the neighbors who showed up with more than a dozen combines to help his family harvest their crop.We also talk about what happens when farm succession comes without warning, why families need to have uncomfortable conversations before they are forced to, and what Cory has changed on his own farm after losing his dad.This conversation goes places neither of us expected. Cory wrestles openly with anger, responsibility, the risks we convince ourselves we can handle, the people who show up when everything changes, and the unfinished work of figuring out how to move forward. Along the way, both Cory and I shed tears. Some of these things are difficult to put into words.Cory leaves us with a simple message worth remembering as harvest approaches:Be safe out there.

Send us Fan MailFor 99 episodes, I've been the one asking the questions.For Episode 100, I switched chairs.When I started planning this episode, I knew I didn't want to do the typical retrospective of favorite guests, favorite moments, or lessons learned. I wanted to do something different.So I invited three previous Patio Pondering guests back to the patio and asked them to interview me.Grant Hood, Andy Vance, and Amber Hoopengardner Foote each came with their own questions. Just like my typical guests, I didn't know what they were going to ask.And they took the conversations in three very different directions.We talked about how Patio Pondering has changed over 100 episodes, what I've learned about asking questions and listening to the answers, agriculture, careers, opportunities, relationships, and how some of my own thinking has changed along the way.This isn't really a retrospective of the first 100 episodes.It's three conversations about what happened along the way.Welcome to Episode 100 and The Other Side of the Patio.

Send us Fan MailRyan Martin has never been particularly afraid to say what he thinks, even when his opinion runs against conventional wisdom.Ryan is a meteorologist, grain originator, farmer, seed salesman, and one of the two people who encouraged me to start the Patio Pondering Podcast. So, with Episode 100 right around the corner, it seemed appropriate to finally invite him onto the patio for Episode 99.What followed wasn't really a conversation about weather.We talked about why agriculture struggles with uncertainty, our fear of being wrong, what failure actually means, how farming has changed Ryan's perspective, and why relationships may matter more than we sometimes admit. We wandered into farmers advertising themselves, the changing scale of agriculture, opportunities for the next generation, and whether we spend too much time protecting the status quo.But one idea kept resurfacing: listening.Ryan believes good conversations require us to hear what someone is actually saying, even when we disagree. Near the end, he put it another way: agriculture needs more discourse, not discord.  That's probably a pretty good description of what we try to do here on the patio.Join Ryan Martin and me for a conversation about agriculture, relationships, uncomfortable questions, and the value of occasionally being willing to admit we might be wrong.

Send us Fan MailMost agricultural businesses begin with a business plan.New Ag Supply began with a farmer trying to solve a problem.In this episode, I sit down with Kansas farmer and New Ag Supply founder Brian Sieker to talk about the entrepreneurial mindset that has quietly shaped agriculture for generations. What starts as a conversation about planter parts quickly becomes a discussion about trust, relationships, purpose, and why the best businesses are built by helping other people succeed.Along the way we explore: Why entrepreneurs are often driven by problems, not profits  Building a business while returning to the family farm  Trust versus technology in modern agriculture  Helping other agricultural entrepreneurs succeed  Why relationships still matter in an increasingly digital world  The future of entrepreneurship in agriculture Whether you farm, own a business, or simply enjoy conversations about leadership and innovation, Brian offers thoughtful insights into what it means to build something that lasts.

Send us Fan MailWe've all said it.Somebody ought to do something.Somebody ought to volunteer. Somebody ought to run. Somebody ought to help.It's an easy sentence to say because "somebody" doesn't have a face.But every once in a while, life asks a harder question:What happens when somebody has a name...and that name is yours?In this solo episode, Jim explores the other side of leadership. The previous episode focused on knowing when to step back and let others lead. This conversation asks when experience becomes responsibility and when it's time for us to step forward.Whether you're thinking about your community, your family, your church, your business, or your own life, this episode is an invitation to ask one simple question:Where are you uniquely qualified to serve?Because leadership isn't always about taking charge.Sometimes it's about recognizing that the person you've been waiting for is already looking back at you in the mirror.

Send us Fan MailWe all say we want young people to become leaders.But are we willing to let them lead?In this solo episode, I use what I call the 0.6x lens to look at three seemingly unrelated experiences: livestock showing, an Eagle Scout project, and preparing a crew for Philmont Scout Ranch.The more I stepped back, the more I realized they were all asking the same question:Who needs to be doing this?Along the way, I share stories from agriculture, Scouting, and my own leadership experiences—including a few moments when I had to admit I didn't always get it right.Whether you're a parent, mentor, teacher, employer, coach, or volunteer, I hope this conversation challenges you to think differently about what it really means to help someone grow.

Send us Fan MailSwine nutrition has become increasingly precise. We have better models, better ingredient analytics, better data, and more technology than ever before.But pigs still have to get fed.Dr. Hyatt Frobose has spent the last eleven years working in the space between what nutritionists can design on a spreadsheet and what actually happens inside a barn. In this conversation, Hyatt and I talk about why he chose an unconventional career path after earning his Ph.D. at Kansas State University, what he has learned about translating science into practical application, and why sometimes there is elegance in simplicity.Our discussion moves well beyond feeding equipment. We talk about leadership and developing people, learning from lost sales, breaking down silos between nutrition, production, facilities, and engineering, the opportunities and limitations of precision feeding, and why the swine industry should be uncomfortable with current levels of mortality.We also discuss animal welfare, the importance of maintaining a strong connection between research and the realities of commercial production, and the challenge of turning nuanced science into information people can actually use.This is a conversation about technology, but more importantly, it is about implementation. Because the best science in the world only creates value when we can make it work on the farm.

Send us Fan MailWhat does the next generation of agriculture really want?In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue student, sheep producer, dairy cattle judge, and former Indiana FFA State Officer Seth Ariens for an honest conversation about where agriculture is headed and what it will take to keep young people engaged.Seth shares why he believes production agriculture still offers tremendous opportunities, why the barriers to entry may not be as high as many people think, and how technology, leadership, and relationships are shaping the future of farming. Along the way, we discuss Purdue's role in preparing students for careers in agriculture, the value of leadership experiences through FFA and FarmHouse Fraternity, and why authentic conversations matter more than scripted answers.Whether you're a farmer, student, educator, or simply care about the future of rural America, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, opportunity, and finding your place in agriculture.In this episode we discuss:• Why young people still want careers in production agriculture • Breaking down the barriers to entering farming • Purdue, leadership, and preparing the next generation • The future of livestock, technology, and family farms • Lessons from FFA, FarmHouse, and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) • Why relationships remain agriculture's greatest asset

Send us Fan MailWhat challenges will define the future of the pork industry? In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith welcomes Dr. Bob Thaler of South Dakota State University for a thoughtful conversation about swine nutrition, sow mortality, pig survivability, and the future of animal agriculture.Drawing on decades of experience in research, Extension, consulting, and commercial pork production, Dr. Thaler shares his perspective on improving sow productivity, reducing mortality, developing the next generation of animal scientists, and why Land-Grant universities remain critical to the future of agriculture. The discussion also explores workforce challenges, livestock economics, technology, and the practical realities of modern pork production.Whether you're a swine producer, nutritionist, veterinarian, animal science student, or agribusiness professional, this episode offers practical insights into some of the biggest questions facing today's pork industry.Topics include:• Swine nutrition and sow productivity• Sow mortality and pig survivability• Land-Grant universities and Extension• Graduate education and workforce development• Technology, automation, and the future of pork production

Send us Fan MailIn this special bonus episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, recorded live during Ag Day at the Allen County Fair, Jim Smith sits down with three respected voices in agricultural markets and communications: Rob Winters, Jon Cavanaugh, and David Kohli.Collectively, these three gentlemen bring well over 150 years of experience serving agriculture. From broadcasting and market reporting to grain merchandising, commodity brokerage, and risk management, they have helped generations of farmers navigate changing markets and economic conditions.Their conversation explores today's agricultural economy, compares current conditions to the challenges of the 1980s farm crisis, and discusses what producers should be watching in the months ahead. Drawing on decades of experience, they share candid perspectives on farm profitability, grain markets, interest rates, and the resilience of American agriculture.Whether you remember listening to farm radio on the tractor or are simply interested in where agriculture may be headed next, this discussion offers valuable insights from three men who have spent their careers helping farmers make sense of uncertainty.Guests:• Rob Winters – Agricultural Broadcaster• Jon Cavanaugh – Grain Merchandiser and Marketing Advisor• David Kohli – Commodity Broker, Marketing Advisor, and Risk Management ConsultantRecorded live at the Allen County Fair.

Send us Fan MailWhat does farming really cost?For Mike Burkhart, the answer goes far beyond machinery, land, and interest rates.In this conversation, Mike reflects on beginning his farming career in the 1970s, surviving the 1980s Farm Crisis, the growing dependence on off-farm income, and the financial pressures that continue to reshape American agriculture. Along the way, we explore family succession, the realities of cash rent, why "it's just business" isn't always enough, and how one family's tragedy changed the course of their lives forever.Today, Mike spends much of his time educating consumers through social media and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation, proving that purpose doesn't end when a farming career does.This is a conversation about resilience, stewardship, and discovering that some of life's greatest harvests happen long after the last crop is planted.A few things we discuss: Growing up and farming through the 1970s and 1980s  The Farm Crisis and its lasting lessons  Why off-farm income shouldn't carry a stigma  Cash rent, consolidation, and the changing structure of agriculture  The impact of Travis Burkhart's accident on the family and farm  Retirement, purpose, and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation  Lessons every generation of farmers can learn

Send us Fan MailAgriculture today faces many of the same pressures it did during the 1980s farm crisis—but the solutions may look very different.In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue agricultural economist Dr. Michael Langemeier to discuss how modern farm businesses can navigate low margins, rising costs, global competition, and generational transition.Our conversation explores the difference between strong balance sheets and healthy cash flow, why working capital matters more than ever, and how strategic planning is becoming just as important as production efficiency. We also discuss the growing influence of Brazil in global agriculture, the challenges of succession planning, and why many farms need to think more like businesses without losing what makes family agriculture unique.We finish with a fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, and how new technologies may help producers make better decisions in an increasingly complex industry.Topics include:• Comparing today's farm economy to the 1980s farm crisis • Cash flow, debt, and working capital management • Strategic risk versus production risk • Value-added agriculture and competitive advantage • Accrual accounting and financial decision-making • Family business transitions and succession planning • AI, decision support, and the future of farm management • Why lifelong learning remains agriculture's greatest advantageDr. Michael Langemeier is a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University and a leader within the Center for Commercial Agriculture. His work focuses on farm management, financial performance, strategic planning, and producer decision-making.

Send us Fan MailWhat Has the Modern Swine Industry Gained… and What Has It Quietly Lost? | Dr. Doug NewcomThe modern swine industry has never been more productive. Weaning rates are higher, pigs grow faster, feed efficiency continues to improve, and genetic tools are more powerful than ever.But progress comes with tradeoffs.In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith sits down with Dr. Doug Newcom, Vice President of Genetics and Technology at the National Swine Registry, to explore how the pork industry has evolved over the past four decades—and what may have been left behind along the way.The conversation moves from genetic selection and reproductive efficiency to pork quality, resilience, stockmanship, youth development, and the future of the industry. Doug shares perspectives from a career that spans seedstock production, genetic evaluation, international swine genetics, and leadership within the National Swine Registry. Topics include:• How the industry increased pigs born alive from 10 to 14–16 pigs per litter • Why pork quality and eating experience still matter • What great breeders recognized before the data proved it • Efficiency versus resilience in modern production systems • The decline of independent seedstock producers and the impact of industry consolidation • Why youth livestock programs remain critical to agriculture's future • Lessons from promoting U.S. swine genetics around the world, including China, Vietnam, South Africa, and beyond • What gives Doug optimism about the future of the pork industry If you've ever wondered whether agriculture can become more efficient without losing the qualities that made it successful in the first place, this conversation is worth your time.Guest: Dr. Doug Newcom Vice President, Genetics & Technology

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a hog farmer, feed industry veteran, and former National Pork Producers Council president looks across the entire pork supply chain?In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Lori Stevermer to explore the connections between production, nutrition, policy, trade, and consumer confidence.Drawing from decades in the feed industry with Wayne Feeds, Hubbard Feeds, and Alltech, along with her leadership at NPPC, Lori shares a perspective that spans from the slat level to Washington, D.C.We discuss:• Why consumers need confidence in the food system • The growing role of choice in pork production and marketing • What COVID revealed about our food supply chain • Why trade matters far beyond pork chops and bacon • The importance of Canada, Mexico, and international markets to U.S. pork producers • Labor challenges facing agriculture over the next decade • How ASF, global disease pressure, and biosecurity shape industry decisions • Why agriculture sometimes struggles to slow down and thinkAlong the way, Lori reflects on leadership, running, balancing industry service with farm life, and the importance of meeting consumers where they are.Whether you're involved in pork production, agriculture policy, animal nutrition, or simply interested in how complex systems actually work, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the people and decisions behind modern agriculture.

Send us Fan MailTom Kingery grew up in agriculture, judged livestock at Purdue University, taught middle and high school ag education for 15 years, and now helps prepare the next generation of agriculture teachers at Western Kentucky University.In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim and Tom reconnect decades after traveling together on Purdue’s 1992 livestock judging team to discuss how agricultural education has changed — and what today’s students still need from teachers, parents, and the industry itself.The conversation explores: Why many students today lack the confidence and hands-on experiences previous generations developed naturally  The growing disconnect between “college-for-all” messaging and the reality of skilled trades demand  Why agriculture programs risk overlooking the “lost middle” students who are neither struggling nor standout academic stars  The value of FFA, livestock judging, shop classes, and career-focused education  Why skilled trades like welding, HVAC, electrical work, and equipment technology may offer stronger opportunities than many traditional four-year degrees  The challenge of balancing STEM-focused education with practical career preparation  How social media and technology are reshaping communication, learning, and student engagement  Why relationships, relevance, and rigor still matter in the classroom Tom also shares how Western Kentucky University emphasizes hands-on agricultural experiences — from cutting hay and fixing fence to developing real-world teaching labs — to prepare students for careers in agriculture education, animal science, agronomy, and beyond.This episode is not just about education. It is a broader conversation about workforce development, agriculture’s future, rural culture, and what happens when society loses respect for skilled labor and practical knowledge.If you care about agriculture, education, workforce development, FFA, skilled trades, or the future of rural America, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper about how we prepare the next generation.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with fellow Purdue FarmHouse brother Lee Stanish — proprietor and pitmaster of Eddie Joe’s Icehouse near Lafayette, Indiana — for a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the changing realities of managing people.Lee shares perspectives shaped by agriculture, Purdue, FarmHouse leadership, and nearly a decade of restaurant ownership. The discussion explores employee expectations, resiliency, staffing challenges, personality differences, leadership without authority, and what it was like helping lead the effort to tear down and rebuild the Purdue FarmHouse chapter house.This is not a conversation about barbecue recipes or résumé highlights. It is a thoughtful discussion about people — how they work, what motivates them, and how leadership changes when the outcome ultimately rests on your shoulders.Topics include:Managing employees in today’s labor environmentLeadership lessons from FarmHouse and the Purdue chapter house projectBuilding teams in restaurants and volunteer organizationsResiliency, work ethic, and changing expectationsPersonality testing and understanding team dynamicsThe difference between operating a business and owning oneIf you enjoy conversations about leadership, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and human nature, this episode will make you think.

Send us Fan MailWhat does the future of the U.S. pork industry really look like?In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, swine nutritionists Jim Smith and Dr. Trey Kellner from AMVC discuss the biggest challenges facing modern pork production—and surprisingly, very little of the conversation centers on actual pig diets. Instead, this conversation explores the larger forces shaping the future of the swine industry, including: Swine nutrition and feed strategy  Pork industry labor shortages  Capital requirements for modern sow farms and finishing barns  Agricultural leadership development  Training the next generation of swine nutritionists  Communication inside pork production systems  Feed mill operations and execution  Graduate education and soft skills in agriculture  Mental health and pressure in agriculture  The future of pork production in the United States Dr. Kellner shares insight from working across multiple pork production systems, feed mills, ingredient programs, and business units while balancing formulation strategy, manufacturing logistics, labor challenges, economics, and team leadership. Jim and Trey also discuss: Why capital access may become one of the defining issues in pork production  How labor shortages are reshaping swine operations  Why execution matters more than perfect feed formulations  The growing importance of leadership and communication skills for animal science graduates  How modern swine nutritionists must balance economics, logistics, people management, and production realities—not just amino acid levels The conversation also takes a deeper turn into mentorship, pressure, work-life balance, and the emotional weight often carried by leaders in agriculture. Whether you work in swine nutrition, pork production, feed manufacturing, animal agriculture, agribusiness, or agricultural leadership, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where the pork industry may be headed over the next 10 to 30 years.

Send us Fan MailThere’s a lot of noise in agriculture right now.From ag media to Washington, depending on who you listen to, we’re either heading into a financial crisis… or standing on the edge of a golden age.But what if the real story isn’t either of those?In this episode, I sit down with Shay Foulk of Ag View Solutions — a farmer and consultant who works directly inside the numbers of real farm operations through Profit Manager and peer groups.He’s not reacting to headlines. He’s seeing what’s actually happening.We start with a simple but uncomfortable question:Are we in a true crisis… or are we seeing a growing gap between strong operators and those that are struggling?From there, the conversation moves into the places most farms don’t openly talk about: Why some operations are pulling ahead while others are falling behind  The reality of cost of production — and how many actually know it  The disconnect between tax accounting and real decision-making  How household spending quietly shapes farm profitability  Why “people would rather be happy than informed” when it comes to their numbers  The role of peer groups, accountability, and getting off the “island” We also get into the harder conversations around transition planning, family dynamics, and what happens when farms operate as families first and businesses second.Shay brings a perspective shaped by farming, consulting, and military experience — blending discipline, preparation, and decision-making into how he approaches both business and life.And by the end, we land somewhere different than where we started.Maybe the golden age of agriculture isn’t something happening out there…Maybe it’s something that gets built — or missed — on your own farm.🔗 Connect with Shay Foulk & Ag View SolutionsAg View Solutions: https://www.agviewsolutions.com/Farm Profit Manager: https://farmprofitmanager.app/Ag View Pitch Podcast: https://www.agviewsolutions.com/podcasts

Send us Fan MailAgriculture runs on risk.Weather. Markets. Policy. Input costs. And increasingly — the mental weight of managing all of it.In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with Anya Pinkerton — a Purdue Animal Sciences graduate whose career has taken her through the USDA Farm Service Agency, agricultural lending, and now into leading a growing crop insurance business.That perspective matters.Because Anya has seen agriculture from multiple sides of the desk — and understands that risk isn’t just something you manage on paper… it’s something you carry.This conversation explores: How crop insurance has evolved from simple hail coverage to complex, revenue-based protection  Why today’s farmers are using insurance as a strategic tool — not just catastrophic backup  The growing importance of trust between farmers and their advisors  How communication — not just data — determines whether risk is understood or ignored  The mental and emotional weight of farming in an era of bigger numbers and tighter margins  Why no two farms should approach risk the same way Along the way, Jim and Anya touch on leadership, mentorship, Purdue basketball, and the reality that sometimes the most important conversations in agriculture aren’t about production — they’re about perspective.At its core, this episode is about one simple idea:Risk doesn’t disappear. It gets shared, structured, and understood — or it gets ignored.Five Signature Questions IncludedAs always, the episode closes with the Patio Pondering Five — covering lessons from agriculture, underappreciated truths, and small changes that could shape the future of the industry.

Send us Fan MailTerry Sible grew up on a farm outside Churubusco, Indiana, learning the same lessons many farm kids do: responsibility, patience, and the value of community.At eighteen, Terry’s life took an unexpected turn. Just five years earlier he had lost his father in a farm accident in the same barn where Terry kept his 4-H livestock. But instead of letting those moments define him, he built a life centered on helping others.Today Terry works with schools and families helping children with disabilities find success in the classroom. Terry may get around in a wheelchair, but it has never defined who he is. Instead, the patience, resilience, and sense of community he learned growing up on a farm in northwest Allen County continue to shape how he approaches life and the people he works with.In this conversation we talk about growing up in 4-H and FFA, the farm community that rallied around him after his accident, raising kids, and the role patience and positivity still play in his life today.Terry also answers the Patio Pondering Five Questions, sharing what agriculture taught him about resilience, community, and why farmers are always trying to do the right thing.

Send us Fan MailLeadership in agriculture is often talked about as if it simply appears — the loudest voice in the room or the person willing to take charge.But real leadership is something different. It can be cultivated, sharpened, and intentionally developed.In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Jill Zimmerman, President of the Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program, to talk about how leadership actually develops in agriculture and rural communities.Jill shares how programs like KARL help cultivate leaders across agriculture, rural communities, healthcare, education, and policy — and why leadership today requires collaboration, service, and a willingness to step forward.Along the way we explore:• How leadership in agriculture is evolving • Why raising your hand still matters in rural communities • The power of networks and relationships in agriculture • The importance of allowing “a pause in the noise” to sharpen our thinking • How mentorship and encouragement shape future leadersPlus Jill answers the Patio Pondering Five Questions, sharing lessons about passion for agriculture, leadership development, and the future of agricultural innovation.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with Brian McFarland, a longtime leader in the beef packing industry and a cattle producer with experience across multiple parts of the beef supply chain.Jim and Brian first met years ago in graduate school at Kansas State, but their conversation quickly moves beyond old memories into the realities facing the beef industry today.They discuss the shrinking U.S. cow herd, rising beef demand, and the economic challenges of rebuilding cattle numbers. Brian shares insights from his years inside packing plants at companies like Tyson, IBP, and JBS, explaining the major advances in food safety that have occurred over the past three decades.Along the way the conversation wanders—as good agricultural conversations often do—into topics like cooking meat correctly, the rise of meat thermometers, raw milk debates, veterinary shortages, and even long-range rifles and bow hunting.It’s a wide-ranging discussion that highlights how complex modern agriculture really is—and how much work happens behind the scenes to safely put food on the plate.Topics include:• Why the U.S. cow herd may take years to rebuild • The economics of cattle vs. crop farming • Beef-on-dairy genetics and how it changed the industry • The hidden food-safety systems inside modern packing plants • Why cooking meat properly matters more than people think • Challenges facing veterinary medicine in agriculture • Technology shaping agriculture’s futurePlus Brian answers the Patio Pondering Five Questions, sharing lessons about work ethic, innovation, and the future of agriculture.Brian can be found on LinkedIn at:linkedin.com/in/thebrianmcfarlaneHis cold weather gear company can be found at:https://shivershield.com/

Send us Fan MailOver the past week something happened that made me stop and think about Patio Pondering.At the Niman Ranch Annual Meeting, a young woman at a lunch table suddenly looked across the table and said, “Oh… you’re Patio Pondering.” The moment was unexpected, but it was not the only one. Throughout the week at the Midwest Animal Science Meetings and a Purdue alumni event, several people quietly shared that they had been reading or listening.None of them had ever commented online.But they were reading. They were listening.That realization led to another reflection. This week Patio Pondering quietly passed its 18-month mark. In that time there have been more than 300 written reflections and 78 podcast episodes, reaching listeners and readers on every continent except Antarctica.Somewhere along the way, without really planning it, Patio Pondering has developed a structure.Like the old three-legged milk stools that sat in barns across the Midwest, it now stands on three legs:• Writing• Conversations• ConsultingTogether those three legs support a place to pause for a moment and think about agriculture.This episode reflects on how Patio Pondering started, what it has become, and the simple goal behind it all:Clear thinking for complex agriculture.And apparently… the penguins are next.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to turn a farm kid into a professor preparing the next generation of agricultural teachers?In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with longtime friend and FarmHouse brother Dr. Travis Park of North Carolina State University.Travis shares the path that took him from Trafalgar, Indiana and the Indian Creek FFA chapter to a national career in agricultural education.Along the way the conversation explores:what new ag teachers really face when they enter the classroomwhy electives like FFA and band matter more than we often admithow agriculture survived the brain drain of the 1980s farm crisisthe importance of resilience in both farming and educationand how agriculture must balance tradition with global realitiesTravis also reflects on raising three daughters, keeping honeybees in a suburban neighborhood, and why agriculture still requires a deep amount of faith.As always, the episode closes with Jim’s five signature questions — covering everything from Booker T. Washington to the humble milking machine.It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, education, and the people who shape agriculture’s future.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with longtime friend and agricultural leader Jamee Krug Blahauvietz.Jamee’s career path is anything but typical. Starting with a unique combination of journalism and animal science at Iowa State, she built a career that moved from agricultural advertising to leadership roles in major animal health companies including Elanco and Phibro.The conversation begins with a simple question: How would three people describe you?Jamee’s answer — Hard Working. Determined. Strategic. — becomes the thread that runs through the entire discussion.Jim and Jamee explore:• The unexpected path from restaurant manager to ag marketing • Lessons learned working inside both agency and corporate agriculture • The strategy behind the well-known “Full Value” livestock campaigns • Why legacy is one of the most powerful emotional drivers in agriculture • How leadership in agriculture has evolved over the past 30 years • The growing humanization of the agricultural workplace • The balance between career ambition and family lifeThey also discuss how agriculture is adapting to new tools like AI, changing marketing channels, and new technology in livestock production.The episode closes with the Patio Pondering tradition of five questions — touching on lessons from agriculture, innovation in livestock production, and one small change that could make a big difference for the future of the industry.It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the people who make agriculture work.

Send us Fan MailIn this milestone episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with Ryan Moe of StoneX for a conversation that moves beyond farm roots and into the harder questions of discipline, risk, and decision-making.At what point does being good at production stop being enough?Ryan shares how his early experience in energy hedging and commodity markets reshaped his thinking: raising crops or livestock well does not automatically mean managing risk well.Together, they unpack:Why most producers avoid structured risk managementThe emotional trap of waiting for higher pricesThe disconnect between hedge accounts and checking accountsWhy portfolio management beats home-run marketingThe illusion of small-scale commodity profitabilityHow AI and algorithmic trading are already shaping marketsAnd why personal discipline may be agriculture’s greatest competitive edgeThis episode challenges romantic narratives about farming and replaces them with something sturdier: clear thinking for complex agriculture.If you produce commodities, manage market risk, or wrestle with marketing decisions each season, this conversation will sharpen your perspective.

Send us Fan MailClint Gorden, a central Illinois farmer, joins the Patio Pondering Podcast to discuss what it means to be a skip-generation farmer—connected to farming through grandparents, but without a parent actively farming to provide day-to-day guidance. Clint shares how he built his path through farm work, the seed business, and the relationships and mentorship that helped him earn opportunities in agriculture.Jim and Clint explore the realities of modern Midwest farming, including aging farmers, larger operations with “more zeros,” the increasing importance of strategy in farming decisions, and how technology and broader networks influence learning, efficiency, and risk management.Topics covered:What “skip-generation farmer” means in today’s agricultureGetting started in farming without a prior generation in the cabSeed sales, cold-calling, and building credibilityAging farmers and generational transitionWhy farming has become more strategic as operations growCommunity involvement: Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, Lions ClubRecording note: This conversation ends earlier than planned due to a technical interruption. Jim and Clint plan to reconnect and continue the discussion in a future episode.

Send us Fan MailWhat do snowboarding, nano-fertilizer, and geopolitics have to do with modern agriculture?In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim talks with Clark Bell, CEO of NanoYield and former TEDx speaker, about his journey from working on his family’s sod farm to leading one of ag’s most intriguing nanotechnology companies.Clark explains how nano-fertilizer and nanoparticle delivery systems help farmers improve nutrient uptake, optimize crop inputs, and rethink fertilizer strategies under mounting economic and environmental pressures.The conversation explores:• How nanotechnology works in crop production • Fertilizer use, nutrient uptake, and ROI in corn & soybeans • Specialty crops vs. commodity agriculture • Input cost pressures, global supply chains & geopolitics • Risk, resilience, and lessons from snowboarding • The importance of advisory teams for modern producers • Local innovation’s role in a global ag economyThis wide-ranging episode connects science, strategy, and real-world decision making — offering practical insight into technologies scaling across millions of acres.Connect with Clark Bell: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarktbell/ 🔗 NanoYield site: https://www.nano-yield.com/ 🔗 NanoYield LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nanoyield/

Send us Fan MailPorcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most costly and frustrating diseases in modern swine production. Despite decades of research, new technologies, and substantial industry investment, PRRS continues to disrupt herds and challenge producers.In this reflective solo episode, Jim Smith explores the tension between producer frustration, the adaptive nature of the PRRS virus, and the scale of research funding dedicated to combating it. This thought piece examines difficult questions about expectations, investment levels, systemic consequences, and whether the pork industry is asking the right questions about PRRS.This episode does not argue against PRRS control or pig health initiatives. Instead, it invites listeners to think more deeply about progress, economics, incentives, and the uncomfortable realities surrounding one of the swine industry’s most persistent challenges.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith explores an uncomfortable but necessary question facing the U.S. pork industry: are we actually prepared for success if PRRS were eliminated?Drawing on decades of experience in swine nutrition and production, Jim reflects on the long arc of PRRS—from its early emergence in the Midwest to today’s massive investments in disease control and eradication. While improving pig health and reducing mortality is unquestionably the right goal at the farm level, this episode examines what happens when those gains occur across the entire system at once.Using the 1998 hog market collapse as a cautionary parallel, Jim walks through the physical and economic constraints that still exist today: packing capacity, labor availability, market absorption, and demand response. What happens if millions more pigs survive to market weight—but the infrastructure and markets aren’t ready?This episode is not an argument against animal health, veterinary innovation, or disease research. It is a systems-level conversation about unintended consequences, second-order effects, and why solving one constraint without planning for what comes next can shift pressure elsewhere.If you’re involved in pork production, animal agriculture, agribusiness, or agricultural economics—and especially if you lived through 1998—this episode invites you to slow down and think about a question the industry rarely asks out loud:What happens after we catch the car?

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 70 of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith sits down with longtime friend and swine ultrasound innovator Dallas McDermott on the floor of the 2026 Iowa Pork Congress to talk about how ultrasound technology has quietly evolved—and why it matters more now than ever.Ultrasound in the swine industry used to be about backfat, muscle depth, and seedstock selection. Today, it is something entirely different. Dallas, one of the last remaining certified swine ultrasound technicians in the U.S., explains how modern systems—paired with machine learning and AI—are now being used inside packing plants to measure intramuscular fat (IMF) at line speed.That matters because pork loins, once a premium cut, have lost value due to inconsistent eating quality. Using ultrasound to measure IMF on carcasses—at 600 to 1,200 head per hour—allows packers to sort premium product in real time, improve consistency, and capture value that has been left on the table for years.This conversation explores:Why pork loins lost their premium status and how eating quality drives demandHow ultrasound and AI are reshaping carcass evaluation inside packing plantsUSDA-funded innovation aimed at helping small and mid-sized packers compete through quality, not scaleWhat pork can learn from beef’s focus on marbling and consumer satisfactionThe implications for genetics, niche programs, and future pork demandAs pork works to move beyond “the other white meat” and reposition itself as a premium protein, this episode highlights a quiet but important paradigm shift. If pork is going to compete for space on the consumer’s plate, it has to taste good—and this conversation explains how technology may help get us there.This is not your dad’s ultrasound.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, recorded on the road in Des Moines after the first day of the Iowa Pork Congress, I share an observation that kept coming up in conversations across the trade show floor.I didn’t hear much discussion about hog margins or markets — even with profitability where it is today. Instead, I kept hearing the same questions: Where are the farmers? Where are the decision makers? Is this still worth the investment?Drawing on my first Iowa Pork Congress in 1999 and earlier experiences in the pork industry, I reflect on how much the structure of our industry has changed — larger operations, fewer decision makers, faster information flow, and tighter time constraints — while many of our events are still designed for an industry that no longer exists.This episode isn’t about blame or nostalgia. It’s about alignment.When purchasing decisions have consolidated and time has become one of the most valuable resources in agriculture, we owe it to the industry to ask hard questions about the return on investment of our trade shows, events, and gatherings.The question isn’t whether these events still matter.The question is whether we’re willing to evolve them.

Send us Fan MailThis episode is my raw take from the Fort Wayne Farm Show. I intended to record more interviews, but the show floor was packed — so instead, I’m sharing what I saw, heard, and felt over three days.We talk about the WASDE bombshell that set the tone for the week, how farmers are thinking about tightening belts in 2025, what suppliers are saying (and not saying), and whether biologicals have a place in a year of tight margins. I also dig into the gap between precision tech and real-world ROI, the growing skepticism toward USDA reporting, and why the pork industry currently looks a whole lot more optimistic than the crop side.If you're trying to farm smart in a year of cautious spending and uncertain markets, this one’s worth a listen.

Send us Fan MailJoin Jim at the Fort Wayne Farm Show for an energizing conversation with Mary Marsh Heigele from New Ag Supply in North Central Kansas. Mary brings a unique perspective on agriculture, having grown up in California's almond country and now farming wheat, corn, and cattle in Kansas with her husband Hayden.In this episode, we explore:How New Ag Supply ships replacement planter parts nationwide (yes, even to Alaska and Hawaii!)Staying optimistic during challenging commodity pricesDirect-to-consumer beef marketing as farm diversificationUsing your own corn to feed cattle as a value-added opportunityCover crops as a gateway to thinking outside the traditional row crop boxOff-farm income through photography and videographyReal-world examples of farm diversification beyond the traditional corn-soy-wheat rotationMary shares honest insights about the current agricultural climate across the country and encourages farmers to explore diversification opportunities - whether that's different crops, livestock, or even leveraging skills like photography to support the farm operation.Contact New Ag Supply:Website: newagsupply.comPhone: 620-938-7009Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTokWhether you're looking for quality replacement planter parts or inspiration to diversify your operation, this episode delivers practical ideas and genuine conversation about agriculture today.#Agriculture #FarmDiversification #DirectToConsumer #CoverCrops #FarmBusiness #PatroPondering

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jim talks with Aaron Kuhn, Regional Manager with Poet Biorefining in Portland, Indiana, about market realities facing farmers as they head into the 2026 crop year. Coming off a sharp USDA report and entering the spring crop insurance pricing window, corn marketing decisions are getting tight — especially in the Eastern Corn Belt.Aaron breaks down what he’s seeing in the countryside on old crop vs. new crop movement, why January–February brings forced sales due to cash flow, and how basis is behaving across Ohio and Indiana after a year of mixed yields. They also dig into how exports, the Brazil safrinha crop, and southeast feed demand influence local basis strength.Jim and Aaron also tackle one of the biggest points of confusion in the market right now — the 45Z biofuel credit. Aaron explains why 45Z currently benefits biofuel plants but isn’t yet flowing value back to farmers, what’s holding up climate-smart scoring, and why sustainability incentives are still worth tracking.Aaron closes with pragmatic advice for 2026: know your true cost of production, don’t fall asleep during potential rallies, and use target orders rather than emotional marketing.

Send us Fan MailThis solo episode starts with a memory from 1978 on the tailgate of my grandfather’s Ford pickup and ends with the blunt reality of 2025 farm bookkeeping and modern USDA market reports. What connects those pieces is uncomfortable: farming profitability has always been fragile.My grandparents scraped through the Depression with $12.34 a month in recorded farm income. My grandfather warned me that “there’s no money in farming.” And nearly fifty years later, I’m running numbers with disaster assistance, government payments, and market swings driven by noon WASDE releases. Different decades, different tools, different programs — same fragility.In this episode I talk about: • Why profitability remains fleeting across generations • What USDA reports actually do to real farm margins • How disaster programs distort our view of survivability • The emotional weight behind farm financial decisions • Why the “zeros” changed, but the struggle didn’t • The uncomfortable continuity between 1930 and 2025If you’ve ever felt the stress of bookwork, market reactions, or the silence that comes after a USDA report moves the board — you’re not alone. The tools and programs change, but the story is older than any of us.

Send us Fan MailThis solo episode starts with the simple act of closing out farm books and ends with a phone call that hits much deeper. A young professional in agriculture reached out after losing his job and facing a major crossroads: pursue an accelerated doctorate program out of town or stay close to home and fight for a place in an uncertain ag job market.It was a conversation about choices, identity, timing, and how mentorship really works — especially in agriculture. Not the formal “assigned mentor” programs, but the quiet kind that happens when someone trusts you enough to ask for advice.In this episode I talk about: • Why ag professionals are facing tough career decisions • The hidden value of lived experience in career guidance • Informal mentorship vs. formal mentorship programs • The role of friendship when the chips are down • How the ag economy is impacting young talent • Why listening matters more than having the “right” answerIf you’re between jobs, navigating the ag industry, or wondering where you fit next — you’re not alone. And if someone calls you looking for guidance, don’t underestimate the impact of simply showing up.Keywords: agriculture careers, ag jobs, ag economy, mentorship in ag, informal mentorship, agricultural workforce, career crossroads, farm life, rural careers, ag professional development, ag education, PhD vs industry, ag unemployment, advising young farmers, agricultural roots, agriculture podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith is joined by Justin Fix, Ph.D., a swine geneticist with AcuFast, joining the conversation from Muscatine, Iowa.This is a wide-ranging discussion about how agricultural roots shape perspective as careers evolve — especially in an industry that has shifted from family-run operations to large, integrated systems.Justin shares his journey growing up in Southeast Iowa, his early exposure to agriculture through family farms, FFA, and livestock judging, and how those experiences carried him through Iowa State, graduate work at North Carolina State, and roles with the National Swine Registry, Smithfield, and The Maschhoffs before returning home to Iowa.Together, Jim and Justin explore:What it means to grow up around “traditional” agriculture in the MidwestHow working with small, family-run producers builds empathy that carries into large systemsThe transition from purebred and youth-focused genetics to integrated commercial pork productionWhy genetics, nutrition, health, and management can never be viewed in isolationHow consolidation has changed decision-making, communication, and leadership in the pork industryThe importance of listening, respect, and understanding context when working across silosThis episode is less about equations and data — and more about people, perspective, and problem-solving in modern agriculture.Whether you work in pork production, animal genetics, nutrition, or simply care about how food systems evolve, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into where the industry has been — and where it may be headed next.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Jay Setchell for a wide-ranging conversation shaped by farm life, service, perseverance, and the quiet grit required to keep moving forward when life gets hard.Jay grew up on a working farm where responsibility came early and lessons were learned through doing. From dangerous chores around silos and augers to long days learning efficiency one acre at a time, those early experiences formed a deep respect for hard work, accountability, and the risks that come with producing food.Our discussion moves through Jay’s reflections on community and small-town life, the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, and how those early examples of service shaped the way he views responsibility and leadership today. Jay shares stories that highlight both the strength and fragility of rural life, and the lasting impact of showing up for others when it matters most.Later in the conversation, Jay opens up about facing serious illness, extended hospitalization, and moments when quitting would have been understandable. He reflects on the mindset that carried him through those seasons, the importance of attitude, and why persistence often matters more than circumstance.This episode is a thoughtful reflection on resilience, responsibility, and the belief that it is always too soon to quit.—Patio Pondering is a long-form podcast exploring the important and the obscure in agriculture through thoughtful conversation.https://www.patiopondering.com/podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with longtime friend, mentor, and Iowa farmer Roy Bardole for a wide-ranging conversation about conservation farming, soil health, faith, and stewardship.Roy grew up farming in Iowa’s prairie pothole region, shaped by parents and grandparents who lived through the Great Depression, drought, loss, and relentless hard work. Those early experiences instilled a deep respect for land and water — and a belief that soil is not something we own, but something we are entrusted to care for.Our discussion moves through Roy’s early lessons in soil structure and water management, his adoption of no-till farming long before it became common, and the skepticism he faced for sticking with conservation practices even when they were unpopular. Roy explains how firsthand observation of erosion, runoff, and soil loss convinced him that long-term soil health requires patience, humility, and the willingness to stand apart from the crowd.We also explore Roy’s decades of service beyond the farm, including leadership roles in his church and nearly 30 years serving the soybean industry at the state, national, and international levels. For Roy, service was never about prestige or power, but about responsibility: using the gifts you’re given and leaving institutions stronger than you found them.Faith weaves quietly but firmly through the conversation. Roy reflects on how the teachings of Christ shaped his approach to leadership, conservation, and community; returning again and again to a simple but demanding principle at the heart of faith and farming: love your neighbor, live by example, and care for what you have been given.This episode is a thoughtful reflection on stewardship, resilience, and the long view — of land, people, and purpose.— Patio Pondering is a long-form podcast exploring the important and the obscure in agriculture through thoughtful conversation. https://www.patiopondering.com/podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with longtime friend and FarmHouse brother Jim Bishop for a conversation that took a different turn than originally planned — and ended up right where it needed to go.Instead of focusing heavily on farm stories, Jim and I explore leadership, identity, burnout, and the human side of work. Drawing from Jim’s experience in executive leadership development and my own experiences navigating leadership in agriculture and business, we talk candidly about why work often “sucks,” how cultures drift away from humanity, and what it costs when leaders lose touch with themselves and the people they lead.This conversation also serves as a natural companion to my recent episode with Mark Voors. Where that discussion explored leadership and growth from the bottom up, this episode continues the thread from the executive and C-suite perspective — together forming a broader reflection on leadership and personal development.It’s a more reflective, philosophical episode than usual — a different rhythm — but an honest one. If you’ve ever wrestled with expectations, burnout, or what it really means to lead well, this conversation will likely hit close to home.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim sits down with longtime friend, fellow FarmHouse brother, and ag-industry leader Mark Voors for a conversation that blends leadership, personal growth, faith, and the deep internal work that shapes a meaningful career.Mark’s path has taken him from FFA State Officer, to roles with John Deere, Monsanto, Cargill, and ultimately to his current position at Beck’s Hybrids. But the titles only scratch the surface. What Mark shares in this conversation is much more personal:how coaching—not managing—became his true callingwhat confidence really means in sales and leadershiphow organizations unintentionally limit the people they rely on mostthe moment a painful performance review shifted the entire trajectory of his lifethe difficult but necessary move from head knowledge to heart knowledge in his faithwhy internal reflection is often harder than any job we work in agricultureThis is an episode grounded in honesty and growth. Mark speaks openly about pride, shame, career pivots, spiritual clarity, and the courage it takes to look inward when life demands it.If you’ve ever wrestled with purpose, leadership, self-worth, or the quiet pull toward something deeper, Mark’s story will meet you right where you are.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Patio Pondering, Jim sits down with longtime friend, FarmHouse fraternity brother, and Purdue Dairy Judging Coach Brian Engleking to explore a life shaped by dairy cattle, youth leadership, and an unexpected medical crisis that forced him to rebuild from the ground up.Brian shares his journey from growing up on a small Indiana dairy farm to becoming a Holstein classifier, evaluating more than 250,000 cows across 47 states and several countries. He reflects on how those years on the road shaped his eye for cattle, his understanding of the dairy industry, and his appreciation for the people who make agriculture work.The conversation turns deeply personal as Brian describes the brain bleed that ended his classification career and required him to relearn basic motor skills. With honesty and clarity, he talks about the frustration, fatigue, faith, and perspective that emerged from that season of rebuilding.Today, Brian has found his second dream job as the coach of the Purdue Dairy Judging Team, where he mentors college students in livestock evaluation, reasons, communication, and confidence.Together, Jim and Brian discuss:What dairy farmers really look for when evaluating cowsHow FFA, 4-H, and dairy judging shape work ethic and leadershipWhy real conversation still matters in a phone-driven worldHow adversity can reorder a life and reveal a new callingThe lessons agriculture teaches about resilience, purpose, and starting againIf you enjoy agriculture stories that blend livestock, leadership, and life perspective, this episode will resonate deeply.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, host Jim Smith reflects on one year of living alcohol-free — not from rock bottom or rehab, but from a quiet decision to reclaim clarity, creativity, and control.Jim shares the real story behind his turning point — the morning-after moment that made him realize alcohol had become more ritual than reward. From there, he talks about how quitting drinking changed his focus, relationships, and mental clarity without judgment or preachiness.If you’ve ever thought about cutting back, rethinking your relationship with alcohol, or just wondering what life feels like on the other side, this episode is an honest look at how one year sober can reshape your perspective — and your peace.Key topics:Why I quit drinking after my son’s birthday partyHow the ritual of drinking was harder to break than the alcoholWhat changed in 365 days without alcoholHow clarity, creativity, and calm replaced my nightly pourWhy quitting drinking was the best decision I made for myselfKeywords: sobriety podcast, quit drinking story, one year without alcohol, sober living, recovery podcast, self-improvement, mental clarity, bourbon habit, lifestyle change, personal growth, motivation, mindfulness, sober curious.☕ “Sometimes the biggest change isn’t giving something up — it’s gaining yourself back.”

Send us Fan MailChloe Buchanan grew up in Leo, Indiana, found her footing in 4-H, and now manages a Great Lakes team at Trans Ova Genetics as a professional services embryologist—doing on-farm IVF collections, embryo transfer (fresh & frozen), and supporting cattle and small-ruminant programs. We talk about what an embryologist actually does, the difference between lab IVF roles and field PSE work, and how advanced reproductive technologies accelerate genetic progress on both seedstock and commercial operations. Chloe shares her path through Southern Illinois University (SIU), the mentors who opened doors, and how she leads a remote, multi-state team at 28—covering one-on-ones, staying connected on the road, and “leading without a title.” We also touch on Temple Grandin, why friendships and community matter in ag, and how to bring more non-traditional students into animal agriculture. If you’re curious about practical IVF, ET, and day-to-day leadership in production ag, this one’s for you.Keywords: Trans Ova Genetics, embryologist, IVF cattle, embryo transfer, ET, small ruminants, cloning, 4-H, SIU, Leo Indiana, Great Lakes region, remote team management, Temple Grandin, advanced reproductive technologies.Guest: Chloe Buchanan — Professional Services Embryologist Manager, Trans Ova Genetics Host: Jim Smith, Ph.D. — Farmer, Swine Nutritionist, and Storyteller of Agriculture & Life

Send us Fan MailFormer Market to Market host and Ag News Daily co-founder Delaney Howell shares why her motto is “Progress Over Perfection.” From farming in Tama County to running a boutique marketing agency and launching her new initiative She Creates Rural, Delaney reveals how to start before you’re ready, build momentum, and trust yourself in business.We cover:Progress Over Perfection: why action beats polish every timePermission vs. knowledge — finding the confidence to startDesigning She Creates Rural: marketing, finance, and biz-dev tracksPartnerships, mentors, and balancing five businesses + a farmSuccession planning and picking one authentic platform for your brandHow Delaney uses AI as a practical accelerator for small teams👉 Learn more about Delaney’s new conference here: She Creates RuralConnect with Delaney:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/delaneyhowellX (Twitter): @DelaneyHowell07Instagram: @delaney_howellGuest: Delaney Howell — marketer, podcaster, farmer, founder of She Creates Rural. Host: Jim Smith, Ph.D. — farmer, swine nutritionist, storyteller of agriculture & life.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim reflects on the art of interviewing after listening to Patrick Bet-David’s podcast conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The experience sparked a key question for every podcast host: who’s really the star of an interview — the host or the guest?Drawing on stories from his own podcasting journey, Jim shares practical podcast interview tips and lessons for hosts. He explains why the best role of a podcaster is to step back, ask simple inquisitive questions, and let the guest shine. From the power of silence to moments when guests offered surprising stories, this episode explores why less host and more guest often leads to better interviews.Whether you’re new to podcasting, an experienced podcast host, or a leader who wants to ask better questions, these reflections offer actionable insights you can apply today.

Send us Fan Mail Farmers often say, “My land is my retirement plan.” But what happens when that plan never gets cashed in?In this solo Patio Pondering episode, Jim Smith, Ph.D. dives into the hard realities of retirement planning in agriculture. From the trap of buying equipment at year’s end to minimize taxes, to the risks of relying on farmland as a “retirement plan” that never gets sold, Jim explores why so many farmers find themselves still running combines into their 80s.He contrasts the lack of young farmers entering the industry with ag media celebrating 86-year-olds still harvesting, raising the question: is this passion — or poor retirement planning?Key points in this episode:Why minimizing income can hurt your Social Security eligibilityHow off-farm income and retirement accounts (401k, IRA) provide real securityThe Platte River problem: wide retirement talk, but shallow planningWhy farmland and machinery aren’t true retirement plans without a plan to liquidate👉 Whether you’re a farmer, an ag lender, or anyone thinking about succession planning, this episode will challenge how you see farming as both a lifestyle and a business.