Around the Fencepost

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to farming, hay production, and forage management. It delves into the challenges, insights, and lessons learned from years of experience in the agricultural industry. The discussion also highlights the importance of adaptability, quality, and continuous improvement in farming practices.TakeawaysContinuous improvement is essential in farmingQuality hay production is crucial for success in the hay businessChapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:05 Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement11:09 Fertility Program and Soil Testing17:29 Hay Quality and Weather Challenges25:56 Hay Business and Market Dynamics32:05 Customer Misconceptions and Quality vs. Yield40:06 Hay Market and Future Outlook45:18 Advice for Aspiring Hay Producers52:17 Family and Future Generations

John Winchell, a dairy nutrition expert, shares insights on forage quality, the utilization of annuals and rotations, and the management of alfalfa and grass mixes. He also discusses the understanding of triticale and rye in dairy farming. The conversation delves into the science of spring growth, exploring phonology, visual triggers for growth, and the use of nature as an approach. It then shifts to the challenges with nutritionists, emphasizing the importance of communication, proactive measures, and the impact of balanced diet and forage quality. Finally, it addresses crop readiness and planting considerations, including early planting and emergence, planting population, leaf wetness, and mycotoxin risk. The conversation covers a range of topics related to forage management, crop flexibility, and optimizing planting population. It delves into the importance of right-sizing planting population and relative maturity for corn, as well as the adaptability of crops to changing environmental conditions. The discussion also explores the impact of harvest timing on forage quality and the importance of nutritionists in forage management. Additionally, it highlights the considerations for sorghum forage quality and best practices for sorghum planting and management. The conversation concludes with plans for future collaboration and the significance of understanding nature's impact on farming.TakeawaysForage quality is a critical factor in dairy nutritionUtilizing annuals and rotations can optimize forage productionUnderstanding triticale and rye is essential for effective dairy farmingManaging alfalfa and grass mixes requires careful attention to the composition of the forage Understanding the science of spring growth and visual triggers for plant growthThe importance of effective communication and proactive measures with nutritionistsConsiderations for crop readiness, planting population, and mycotoxin risk Optimizing planting population and relative maturity is crucial for crop successHarvest timing and forage quality are key factors in forage managementChapters00:00 Introduction to John Winchell10:24 Utilizing Annuals and Rotations24:19 Understanding Triticale and Rye37:26 Managing Alfalfa and Grass Mixes56:06 Forage Quality and Nutritionists01:13:37 Crop Readiness and Planting Considerations01:19:45 Optimizing Planting Population and Relative Maturity01:26:35 Sorghum and Corn Silage Comparison01:32:43 Forage Quality and Harvest Timing01:38:05 Sorghum Forage Quality and Harvest Considerations01:44:36 Sorghum Planting and Management Best Practices01:51:34 Observing Nature and Growing Degree Days

The conversation delves into the significance of soil biology, the role of mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture, and the impact of farm practices on soil health. Brady shares insights on quality control, customized product blends, and the importance of DNA analysis in soil. The discussion also covers weed suppression, water absorption, and the benefits of no-till farming. Additionally, the impact of Bionic on crop yield is explored. The conversation covers the importance of quality and diversity in AMF products, the impact of biologicals on soil health and nutrient uptake, and the shift from bushel focus to cost savings. It also explores advancements in soil testing, versatile application methods, and the future of New Age Farming with a focus on soil health and fertilizer efficiency. The conversation emphasizes the significance of transparency, certification, and the avoidance of common mistakes in biological application.TakeawaysThe crucial role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil health and plant growthThe importance of quality control and product purity in agricultural inputs Quality and diversity of AMF products are crucialLow-quality products can lead to frustration and ineffective resultsImportance of quality and certification in biological productsTransparency and certification are essential for trustSoil testing is crucial for biological applicationBiologicals impact root growth and nutrient uptakeShift from bushel focus to cost savingsSignificant cost savings and fertilizer efficiencyNew DNA testing empowers farmersPotential for significant fertilizer savingsVersatile and cost-effective application methodsSimplified application for farmersImportance of isolating and testing productsAvoiding common mistakes in biological applicationRole and benefits of AMF in forage productionImpact on soil health and nutrient uptakeFocus on soil health and fertilizer efficiencyEnd game of soil improvementImpact of natural soil management on root growthReduced reliance on tillage and chemicalsChapters00:00 Introduction and Anticipation06:27 Quality Control and Product Purity13:03 DNA Analysis in Soil and Native Species Cultivation18:44 Impact of Farm Practices on Soil Health25:23 Bionic and its Impact on Crop Yield31:30 Fertilizer Efficiency and Cost Savings37:51 Common Mistakes with Biologicals46:39 Natural Soil Management and Root Growth

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Jeff Jackson's background, experience, and expertise in forage and livestock management. It also delves into the importance of building relationships, providing valuable information, and the passion for helping farmers and ranchers succeed.The conversation emphasizes the flexibility and stress tolerance of forage sorghum and the need to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers. The conversation covers a range of topics related to forage farming, including challenges faced by small farms, innovative on-farm processing, beef production, forage quality, and the use of biologicals. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset and adaptation to modern advancements in forage farming practices.TakeawaysForage Sorghum FlexibilityBuilding RelationshipsSupporting the Next Generation Innovation in on-farm processing is a strategy for small farms to stay relevant in the community.Understanding forage quality and the timing of cutting is crucial for optimizing feed for livestock.The use of biologicals in forage farming requires careful consideration and evaluation of product efficacy.Chapters00:00 Forage Sorghum and Legacy Farming43:16 Challenges Faced by Small Farms and On-Farm Processing51:04 The Role of Microbes and Biologicals in Forage Farming58:34 Challenges in Obtaining Forage Data and Experimentation01:11:05 Adapting to Modern Forage Farming Practices

The conversation provides a comprehensive understanding of harvest stages and their impact on forage quality and animal feeding. It emphasizes the importance of matching harvest stages with the nutritional needs of different animals, particularly in dairy and beef production. The trade-off between feed quality and tonnage is highlighted as a key consideration in harvest timing.TakeawaysHarvest timing is crucial for optimizing forage quality and meeting the nutritional needs of animals.Understanding the impact of harvest stages on dairy and beef production is essential for making informed decisions in forage management.Chapters00:00 Understanding Harvest Timing05:44 Impact on Dairy Production11:22 Forage Utilization and Feeding

The conversation covers Brad Evans' farming background, transition to sheep farming, challenges in marketing and pricing, pork marketing, grazing cycles, pasture management, farm transformation, fertilizer use, input refusal, biologicals, succession planning, equipment, and temporary fencing. Key takeaways include the impact of multi-species grazing and the role of fertilizers in soil health. The conversation with Brad Evans from Cub Creek Pastures covers the transition to a new approach, balancing purity and practicality, direct marketing and market changes, engaging with customers and social media, future vision for Cub Creek, utilizing Tennessee Ag equipment, advice for young farmers, managing capital and equipment, and changing perceptions and ecological systems.TakeawaysMulti-species grazingImpact of fertilizers on soil health Balancing purity and practicalityThe value of gradual changeChapters00:00 Introduction and Farming Background07:42 Grazing Rotation and Pasture Management14:13 Input Refusal and Soil Management20:09 Equipment and Grazing Operations25:37 Balancing Purity and Practicality32:00 Future Vision for Cub Creek38:37 Changing Perceptions and Ecological Systems

The conversation delves into the popularity and benefits of summer annual mixtures, Jaden Hardy's background and entry into forage systems, the role of summer annual mixtures in drought tolerance and forage quality, customizing forage mixtures to meet producer goals and needs, and the components of a summer annual mix and their contributions. The conversation delves into the benefits of diverse mixtures in enhancing soil health and improving forage production. It also highlights the importance of timing and grazing management in maximizing the potential of warm season annuals. The discussion covers common mistakes in forage management, the impact of mixtures on grazing behavior, and the future of summer annuals in agricultural operations.TakeawaysSummer annual mixtures are popular for improving soil health and forage qualityProducers have different goals and needs when it comes to forage mixtures Diverse Mixtures Enhance Soil HealthTiming and Grazing Management are KeyChapters00:00 Introduction to Summer Annual Mixtures and Their Popularity07:48 Understanding Summer Annual Mixtures and Their Benefits13:05 The Role of Summer Annual Mixtures in Drought Tolerance and Forage Quality23:39 Components of a Summer Annual Mix and Their Contributions29:04 Success with Warm Season Mixtures34:24 Challenges and Mistakes in Forage Management40:01 Drilling and Timing Considerations45:14 The Impact of Summer Solar Mixtures50:26 Advice for Producers Trying Summer Annuals

The conversation covers topics related to the Mennonite community, family involvement in agriculture, the evolution of the seed business, and the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry. It also delves into the significance of social media in agriculture and the importance of sustainable farming practices. The conversation covers a range of topics related to agriculture, including the impact of army worms on crops, the development of new summer annuals, the use of millets and sorghum sudans, and the role of nutritionists in evaluating feed quality. It also delves into the challenges of farming in arid regions and the potential of high-sugar forage crops to withstand drought and insect pressure. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to forage breeding, plant genetics, and agricultural practices. It delves into the development of high-sugar forages, the breeding process, the history of Coffee Seed, and the significance of millet and sorghum in various regions. The discussion also touches on the impact of drought, the selection of forage products, and the potential of new plant varieties.TakeawaysMennonite community and its varying levels of technologyFamily involvement in agriculture and the impact on the next generationEvolution of the seed business and the role of research and developmentChallenges and opportunities in the agricultural industrySignificance of social media in agriculture and the importance of sustainable farming practices Army worms pose a significant threat to crops and require effective control measures.The development of new summer annuals, such as millets and sorghum sudans, offers potential solutions for crop production in challenging environments. Forage breeding involves the development of high-sugar forages with improved digestibility and tonnage.The breeding process for forages involves selecting and combining recessive traits to create new plant varieties.Chapters00:00 Significance of Social Media in Agriculture26:02 Impact of Army Worms on Crops32:30 Challenges of Farming in Arid Regions01:26:57 Engagement and Communication with Coffee Seed

Brent Croom, a multi-generational dairy farmer and leading auctioneer, shares insights on family history, farm diversification, and the challenges faced by young farmers. He also discusses the auction business and the emotional aspects of estate sales. The conversation covers a range of topics related to farming, including the challenges faced by farmers, the impact of market conditions on equipment and land, and the potential opportunities in the cattle industry. Brent Croom shares insights on the current state of agriculture and the strategies farmers are using to navigate the economic landscape.TakeawaysMulti-generational farming requires diversification for sustainability.The auction business is a service industry that requires availability and empathy for clients.Young farmers face significant challenges in acquiring and sustaining agricultural operations. Resilience in Tough TimesMarket Impact on Equipment and LandCattle Industry OpportunitiesChapters00:00 Family History and Farming Roots10:55 Diversification for Sustainability22:05 The Auction Business and Estate Sales32:42 Understanding Farming Challenges39:35 Cattle Industry Opportunities49:24 Economic Outlook for Agriculture

The conversation covers the lessons learned from building a drone business, the challenges and optimism in the drone industry, the business of selling goods and services, exploring new drone technology, and the future of drone technology with a focus on American-made drones. The conversation delves into the unsexy side of the drone application business, focusing on research, application, and understanding drone capabilities and limitations. It also explores battery management, the size and application of drones in agriculture, connectivity and range of drones, and the future of drone services and US-made drones.TakeawaysDrone business lessonsFuture of drone technology Drone Application ExpertiseChallenges of Drone ApplicationBattery ManagementUS-Made DronesChapters00:00 Introduction and Recap06:10 Challenges and Optimism in the Drone Industry17:03 Exploring New Drone Technology22:20 American-Made Drones and the Future of Drone Technology53:31 The Future of Drone Services and US-Made Drones

The conversation covers Casey's journey in agriculture, from childhood farming experiences to the expansion of his seed business and the adoption of drone technology. It also delves into the differences in soil and agriculture practices, the importance of customer relationships, and the impact on customer farms.TakeawaysCasey's transition from childhood farming experiences to a successful seed business.The significance of customer relationships and the impact on customer farms.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose07:19 Transition to Seed Business13:08 Seed Sourcing and Customer Service19:38 Guaranteed Analysis and Organic Products

In this episode of Around the Fencepost, Jacob Leach sits down with Craig Cohron to dive deep into modern agriculture, beef cattle nutrition, forage quality, and the real economic pressures facing today’s farmers.Craig shares his journey from dairy production to beef farming and unpacks how his experience with Byron Seeds shaped his understanding of high performance forages. From forage sorghum and alfalfa to cutting edge forage blends designed for maximum digestibility and yield, this conversation highlights why quality forage is the foundation of profitable beef operations.They break down:• Transitioning from dairy to beef farming• The economics of modern farming• High quality forage for beef cattle nutrition• Nitrate toxicity and prussic acid concerns in forage crops• Innovations in forage sorghum and improved genetics• How independent seed dealers can compete and win• Standing out in a competitive agricultural marketplaceCraig explains how selecting the right forage varieties directly impacts weight gain, feed efficiency, herd health, and long term farm profitability. They also tackle common misconceptions about nitrates and prussic acid, and discuss how smart management decisions reduce risk while improving production.If you’re a cattle producer, independent seed dealer, agronomist, or serious about forage based livestock systems, this episode delivers real world insight from decades of boots on the ground experience.Subscribe for more conversations around farming, forage innovation, cattle nutrition, and the future of agriculture.Keywords: beef farming, dairy to beef transition, forage quality, forage sorghum, Byron Seeds, cattle nutrition, nitrates in forage, prussic acid risk, forage innovation, seed dealers, farm economics, independent agriculture, livestock nutrition, regenerative farming, modern farming challenges#BeefCattle #ForageFarming #CattleNutrition #ModernFarming #FarmEconomics #IndependentAg #SeedDealer #ForageSorghum #LivestockProduction #AroundTheFencepost

Inaugural Episode | Around the Fencepost PodcastIn this inaugural episode of Around the Fencepost, we sit down with Josh Baker, founder, owner, and CEO of Southeast Agro Seeds, based in Rome, Georgia.Josh shares the real story behind his journey into the forage and seed industry, from growing up in Georgia, to learning advanced forage systems while working with dairy producers in Pennsylvania, to bringing those progressive ideas back home to the Southeast. What started as a vision to improve forage production in the region became a decade-long mission built on education, trials, service, and trusted relationships.We dive deep into what separates Southeast Agro Seeds from traditional ag suppliers, including their laser focus on forage and cover crop systems, hands-on product trials, dealer education, and optimizing productivity on every acre, not just selling seed. Josh explains how real-world testing, dealer networks, and on-farm trials shape their product decisions, and why agronomic understanding matters just as much as sales.This conversation covers forage systems in the Southeast, dairy versus beef production, cover crops, tall fescue, orchard grass, rotational grazing, pasture repair, compaction management, seed storage, and the realities of running a seasonal agricultural business. Josh also reflects on leadership, building teams, learning through challenges, and defining success through people, not just profits.If you’re a forage producer, cattleman, seed dealer, or anyone passionate about improving land productivity through practical, proven systems, this episode delivers real insight from the ground up.🔑 Topics Covered• Forage production in the Southeast• Seed trials and on-farm testing• Dealer education and service models• Tall fescue, orchard grass, triticale, and cover crops• Rotational grazing and pasture repair• Building a values-driven ag business📍 LocationRome, Georgia | Southeast United States🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations from the field, the farm, and the fencepost.📌 Hashtags / Meta Keywords#AroundTheFencepost#ForageFarming#SoutheastAgro#CoverCrops#PastureManagement#RotationalGrazing#SeedTrials#Agronomy#CattleProducers#ForageSystems#AgBusiness#FarmPodcast#BeefProducers#DairyFarming#SoilHealth#GrassFed#SeedDealer#AgricultureEducation