Turnin' Dirt

In Episode 36 of Turnin’ Dirt, Wade McLean, Agronomy Manager at KF Farms, joins Jon for an in-depth conversation on the science and strategy behind growing a successful crop. Wade discusses how soil types impact crop performance, the importance of proper field setup and preparation, and the agronomic decisions that help maximize yield throughout the growing season. He also shares how New Holland equipment, technology, and the right machinery play an important role in helping producers achieve the best possible results in the field.

In Episode 35 of Turnin’ Dirt, Sarah Shymko, Director of Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan, joins Jon to discuss how witnessing real food insecurity while working overseas shaped her passion for agricultural education. Sarah shares how those experiences have influenced the growth of Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan and the importance of engaging children and students in conversations about agriculture from an early age, helping build a stronger understanding of where food comes from and the vital role agriculture plays in our communities.

In Episode 33 of Turnin’ Dirt, Chris Finley, VP of Parts & Service Operations at Mazergroup, joins Jon for a deep dive into what sets their service department apart. From the history that shaped Mazergroup into a leader in agriculture equipment service to the role of technology and AI in the future of the industry, Chris shares insights on the innovation, strategy, and customer focus driving their success.

In Episode 32 of Turnin’ Dirt, Sarah Johnston from Atlas York Insurance shares how she transitioned from corporate life to co-founding one of Canada’s fastest growing women-led insurance brokerages. She discusses how Atlas York is helping Saskatchewan farmers, residents, and businesses protect what matters through personalized insurance solutions while actively supporting the communities they serve.

In Episode 31 of Turnin’ Dirt, we sit down with Maris Osins, Precision Technology Consultant at Mazergroup. Originally from Latvia, Maris shares his remarkable journey growing up in Europe, living in multiple cities, and how a chance meeting while bartending and running a restaurant led him to a new life in Canada. Maris opens up about the impact Mazergroup has had on his career and personal growth, and how embracing precision agriculture has transformed the way he views farming. We explore how advanced technology is reshaping the ag world; creating smarter systems, improving efficiencies, and connecting farmers to the future. From international beginnings to boots on prairie soil, Maris brings a fresh global perspective to the innovation driving agriculture forward.

In Episode 30 of Turnin’ Dirt, we sit down with Matt Holizki, Precision Technology Consultant at Mazergroup. With a background in large construction machinery, Matt shares how his experience shaped his passion for agricultural tech and led him to Mazergroup. We dive into the future of farming with New Holland units—exploring how advanced technology is enhancing the operator experience, improving productivity, and creating smarter, more connected equipment. From real-time data to precision guidance, Matt gives us a look at what’s here now and what’s coming next for ag tech in the field.

In Episode 29 of Turnin’ Dirt, we sit down with Kris Heshka, the visionary behind Red Leaf Pulp. Kris walks us through the incredible journey of bringing a bold idea to life—creating high-value organic pulp from agricultural residue. From boosting the bottom line for farmers to revolutionizing sustainable manufacturing, Kris shares how Red Leaf Pulp is poised to change the world—starting with a new cutting-edge facility and the launch of their brand-new app, Red Leaf Connect: redleafconnect.redleafpulp.com. This episode dives into innovation, environmental impact, and the science behind the shift to sustainable materials in global manufacturing.

In Episode 28 of Turnin’ Dirt, we sit down with Justin Simpkins, the driving force behind Prairie Farm Protection and Prairie Hockey Academy. Justin shares his expertise in farm management, discussing how he helps farmers maximize efficiency and optimize their operations. Beyond agriculture, Justin dives into his passion for hockey and how he balances running multiple businesses, including his local hockey academy. From the field to the rink, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, business strategy, and the dedication it takes to succeed in both farming and sports.

In Episode 27 of Turnin’ Dirt, we sit down with Allan Levesque, a Construction Sales Consultant with Mazergroup, to explore the art of farm and construction equipment sales. Allan’s journey is anything but ordinary—he moved to Canada from France and quickly made a name for himself, breaking first-month sales records and thriving in a competitive industry. With his high energy and passion for sales, Allan shares his experience adapting to a new country, building relationships in the ag and construction world, and what it takes to succeed in equipment sales. Plus, we put his knowledge of France to the test! Don’t miss this episode filled with insights, ambition, and a few fun surprises.

In Episode 26, we chat with Nathan Bean from Poor Boy Producers, a 5th-generation farmer dedicated to keeping his family's legacy thriving. Nathan offers a glimpse into the history of their grain farm, the challenges of managing multiple locations with Saskatchewan's wettest soil, and the operational details that drive their continued success. His story highlights the hard work, innovation, and passion behind generational farming. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or simply curious about life on the farm, Nathan’s insights into the grit and dedication required to sustain modern agriculture are not to be missed. Join us for an inspiring conversation on Turnin’ Dirt!

In Episode 25, we chat with Rhett Parks from Whitewood Livestock Sales, one of Canada’s top 10 auctioneers. Rhett shares his journey in livestock auctions and reflects on the resilience required during the BSE (Mad Cow) crisis, which reshaped the industry. He also breaks down the factors behind cattle price calculations and beef price fluctuations, making complex market dynamics easy to understand. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on Turnin’ Dirt!

In episode 24 of Turnin' Dirt, we sit down with Shawn Milligan from RBC Dominion Securities Wealth Management, who brings over 36 years of expertise in the industry. Shawn shares his insights on how individuals have successfully navigated financial challenges, while others have struggled, and what truly makes the difference. He also emphasizes the critical role of estate planning in passing down generational farms, explaining how careful preparation can make the process smoother and more efficient for future generations. Tune in to learn practical advice on securing your farm's legacy!