Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-business-of-agriculture-podcast Damian travels all over the globe talking to audiences about the topics surrounding the business of food fuel and fiber. With his clever wit and his easy to understand delivery, he has turned these topics into interesting (and sometimes controversial) podcast topics. All rights reserved 5a690066-0106-5b06-b290-9822fc0977c8 no en Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:07:53 +0000 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:55:17 +0000 http://www.damianmason.com https://img.transistor.fm/3c8F5d68ot7yBGyAA0ghGZYzbSMN_YwSucTyb46DOQs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/Lzc4MjQvMTU4MTY5/NjY0Mi1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.jpg http://www.damianmason.com episodic Damian Mason Damian travels all over the globe talking to audiences about the topics surrounding the business of food fuel and fiber. With his clever wit and his easy to understand delivery, he has turned these topics into interesting (and sometimes controversial) podcast topics. Damian travels all over the globe talking to audiences about the topics surrounding the business of food fuel and fiber. Damian Mason No No 121 121 121 - Hardwoods — Indiana’s Largest Agricultural Industry (Believe it or Not) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/758901163 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0cb00153 Tue, 11 Feb 2020 17:31:35 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2173 Per the Indiana Department of Agriculture, hardwoods are my home state's largest agricultural industry in terms of economic impact. That’s why I thought it was time to give timber it’s due credit. Ray Moistner, Executive Director of the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association and Brett Franklin of Tri-State Timber sit down with me to talk wood. You’ll learn some things you didn’t know about the lumber business. Like for instance, there are more acres of forest east of the Mississippi than there were a century ago. And, the forestry business is responsible for $10 billion of industry just in Indiana. Also like every other aspect of Agriculture, you’ll hear about the PR battles the forestry industry faces from activists. Per the Indiana Department of Agriculture, hardwoods are my home state's largest agricultural industry in terms of economic impact. That’s why I thought it was time to give timber it’s due credit. Ray Moistner, Executive Director of the Indiana Hardwood L No 120 120 120 - From Onions to Bagged Alfalfa - an Agricultural Entrepreneur’s Tale full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/756276904 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b345ac1 Thu, 06 Feb 2020 20:42:35 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2140 Jay Hill wasn’t a farm kid but at age 16 he decided he wanted to be a farmer. He went about pursuing his professional vision by joining forces with his father — who wanted Jay to attend college — by producing onions on the ten acres his father owned. Jay also worked for a produce company for 14 years, all the while learning the ins and outs of Agribusiness. Today, Jay operates or is partnered on a few different ventures. He's mostly a grower and marketer of produce but he’s also into packaged alfalfa with his latest endeavor, Chaffhaye. You’ll enjoy this discussion with an entrepreneur in the Business of Agriculture. Jay Hill wasn’t a farm kid but at age 16 he decided he wanted to be a farmer. He went about pursuing his professional vision by joining forces with his father — who wanted Jay to attend college — by producing onions on the ten acres his father owned. Jay No 119 119 119 - Starbucks Uses P.R. to Make Milk Its Sacrificial Cow and Appease Enviros full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/751021777 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ca572ec Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:01:22 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1935 Starbucks made an announcement pledging to do its part to save the world. The coffee chain, with 31,000 stores worldwide, will “encourage” customers to opt for dairy alternatives rather than cow’s milk to accent their over-priced beverages. I explain why Starbucks chose milk as its sacrificial cow (because the industry won’t fight back), and the coffee company’s real motivation (hint, it’s money). We also discuss the reality that this move will be replicated by other large companies as they see how well the environmental smoke screen worked for Starbucks. Grab a coffee and enjoy this talk! Starbucks made an announcement pledging to do its part to save the world. The coffee chain, with 31,000 stores worldwide, will “encourage” customers to opt for dairy alternatives rather than cow’s milk to accent their over-priced beverages. I explain why No 118 118 118 - Selling Fruit, Specialization, and Way More with The FruitGuys Founder Chris Mittelstaedt full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/747105703 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf4f5840 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:21:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2554 Chris Mittelstaedt isn’t from a farming background but he became an Agricultural entrepreneur at an early age — he sold vegetables from his mom’s garden around his suburban Philadelphia neighborhood out of a radio flyer wagon. Today, Mr. Mittelstaedt owns and runs The FruitGuys, a fruit business specializing in delivery to corporate offices. Chris started The FruitGuys in 1998. The company now delivers throughout the United States. The FruitGuys makes a concerted effort to source product from local and smaller producers. Chris joins me to discuss how his business operates and where he sees opportunity in Ag’s future. You’ll like his perspective and you’ll enjoy the conversation. Bonus: if you have a great idea in need of funding for your own farming operation, you might even want to apply for a grant through the The FruitGuys Community Fund. I’ll let Chris explain... Chris Mittelstaedt isn’t from a farming background but he became an Agricultural entrepreneur at an early age — he sold vegetables from his mom’s garden around his suburban Philadelphia neighborhood out of a radio flyer wagon. Today, Mr. Mittelstaedt owns No 117 117 117 - Walmart Didn’t Bankrupt Borden Dairy (or Dean Foods!) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/742811812 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d3d2718 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:06:18 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2693 On January 6th, 2020, Borden Dairy filed for bankruptcy protection. The 163 year old milk processor’s announcement comes just 2 months after Dean Foods - the nation’s largest milk processor - filed for bankruptcy. Within minutes of the Borden news breaking, social media warriors were blaming Walmart for the company’s demise. Friend of show and dairy woman, Katharine Lotspeich joins me to sort out the reality of milk, the marketplace and why we in agriculture can’t keep blaming Walmart for a changing landscape. Consumer tastes are changing while large scale companies seem content to sit on their commodity business model. What does this mean for the future of food production and processing? Listen and find out! On January 6th, 2020, Borden Dairy filed for bankruptcy protection. The 163 year old milk processor’s announcement comes just 2 months after Dean Foods - the nation’s largest milk processor - filed for bankruptcy. Within minutes of the Borden news breakin No 116 116 116 - Meat vs. Veganism: The Battle is on in 2020 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/739193995 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3cf668d Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:52:05 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1560 This week’s Golden Globe Awards is the first (of way too many) Hollywood awards shows for the year. It’s also the first award show to distinguish itself by serving an all-vegan menu. This, along with increasing media hit pieces on the meat industry’s safety and environmental impact, have me convinced 2020 will be a flash point in the argument against livestock farming and meat consumption. In this episode we’ll discuss Hollywood hypocrisy, Time Magazine’s person of the year Greta Thunberg, political food police, the U.N., and how all those forces are out to dictate food choice. This week’s Golden Globe Awards is the first (of way too many) Hollywood awards shows for the year. It’s also the first award show to distinguish itself by serving an all-vegan menu. This, along with increasing media hit pieces on the meat industry’s safe No 115 115 115 - Grass Fed Beef - with Rich Bradbury full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/731125474 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bbca900b Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:00:27 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2807 Rich Bradbury is an Oregon rancher with an eye on the future. Along with other cattlemen, he started a cooperative to process and market their brands of beef. Country Natural is their conventional beef product but he’s most excited about their other brand, Desert Mountain Grass Fed Beef. And that’s where the growth has been. Rich talks to us about ranching in the desolate drylands, the potential for selling carbon offsets, and the business of producing and marketing grass fed protein. You may prefer your beef grain-fed, but the current trends point to a future of more grass finished bovine. Rich Bradbury is an Oregon rancher with an eye on the future. Along with other cattlemen, he started a cooperative to process and market their brands of beef. Country Natural is their conventional beef product but he’s most excited about their other brand No 114 114 114 - Food Fear full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/726337663 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6b6653b0 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:24:53 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1934 I’m so excited to announce the release of my new book, Food Fear — How Fear is Ruining Your Dinner and Why You Should Celebrate Eating. It’s straight talk about food, foodies, farming, food fights, food police, food myths, and the future of food and food production. Nicole Hahn joins me in this episode to discuss the memorable and intriguing content in Food Fear. She should know, she was the book’s “first read.” You’ll like the conversation as we discuss the very real issues the Business of Agriculture faces from a consumer who is too often fearful of their food. I’m so excited to announce the release of my new book, Food Fear — How Fear is Ruining Your Dinner and Why You Should Celebrate Eating. It’s straight talk about food, foodies, farming, food fights, food police, food myths, and the future of food and food No 113 113 113 - Regenerative Agriculture with Gabe Brown full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/723192142 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b979f141 Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:12:07 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2474 I first heard of Regenerative Agriculture this spring via congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s televised town hall meeting. Given Ms. Cortez’s stance and multiple comments on the evils of cheeseburger consumption and cow farts, I assumed this thing she was talking about was as outlandish as her other views. Then I was introduced to Gabe Brown’s book, Dirt to Soil — One Family’s Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture. Mr. Brown is a Regenerative Ag pioneer and promoter. He came to this style of food production out of economic necessity 20 years ago. The results have been quite positive. Gabe joins me to explain his business practices and tell his story. I first heard of Regenerative Agriculture this spring via congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s televised town hall meeting. Given Ms. Cortez’s stance and multiple comments on the evils of cheeseburger consumption and cow farts, I assumed this thing s No 112 112 112 - Food 5.0 and The Future of Food Production full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/718433575 https://share.transistor.fm/s/24e2c9fe Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:18:44 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2202 Friend of show, Rob Saik, joins me to discuss his new book, Food 5.0 and the future of food production. He explains the 5 iterations of Agricultural advancement then tells us what will change moving forward. We share our predictions (some of which you may agree with and some of which you won’t!). What if the world’s most used herbicide is pulled from the marketplace? What sort of technology will enable us to be productive in rural North America even as the population declines? What changes are coming to Ag based on the demands of affluent consumers? This is a fun conversation about the future of food and food production! Discussion Friend of show, Rob Saik, joins me to discuss his new book, Food 5.0 and the future of food production. He explains the 5 iterations of Agricultural advancement then tells us what will change moving forward. We share our predictions (some of which you ma No 111 111 111 - 35 Years in the Machinery Business, Trends and Predictions with Machinery Pete full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/715396136 https://share.transistor.fm/s/06e684e6 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:21:20 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2184 Greg Peterson began his business of reporting on used farm equipment sales prices in 1989. After a decade of hand written figures and entering data into desktop computers, then sending out floppy discs, his business flourished. Today his company, “Machinery Pete,” compiles sales information from around North America on the value of Ag equipment. His business is a resource as well as a selling forum. “Pete” joins me to discuss history, present, and future of farm equipment. Pull up a chair, or better yet, go sit in your old tractor for this one! Greg Peterson began his business of reporting on used farm equipment sales prices in 1989. After a decade of hand written figures and entering data into desktop computers, then sending out floppy discs, his business flourished. Today his company, “Machine No 110 110 110 - Organic and Conventional in the Same Room full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/711120004 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9cb363c6 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 15:16:04 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2067 Friend of Show, Andy Ambriole joins me to discuss the positives and negatives of both conventional and organic farming practices. He is the owner of BioSteward Farms and he’s been an Ag entrepreneur since age 9. He got into organic production for business reasons — he’s not a zealot like those folks at the Non-GMO Verified Project! Andy and I discuss the attributes of both cropping systems and why they’ll eventually merge, at least somewhat. The benefit of cover crops, the reality of farm rental economics, and the future of chemistry are also covered. You’ll like this lively dialogue recorded in my Granary Beef Office. Friend of Show, Andy Ambriole joins me to discuss the positives and negatives of both conventional and organic farming practices. He is the owner of BioSteward Farms and he’s been an Ag entrepreneur since age 9. He got into organic production for busines No 109 109 109 - An Initiative to Revive Rural America with Tennessee Department of Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/706408729 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4fc2906b Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:09:17 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1939 If you work in the Business of Agriculture, you understand the reality of what’s happening in rural America. Many small towns that once supported a grain elevator, a farm store, an implement dealership, and several other businesses have been shuttered. With consolidation came a degradation of life in many parts of rural America. Some rural communities haven’t suffered from consolidation — they never even experienced a boom. Tom Womack is Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. He sits down with me to discuss what his state is doing to revive rural Tennessee. Through the Ag Enhancement Program, money is being invested to create jobs in economically distressed areas. On the list of action items are broadband and technology for “flyover country.” If you live out here, you get it. We all benefit by a thriving rural economy, which means we’re all rooting for more rural initiative. If you work in the Business of Agriculture, you understand the reality of what’s happening in rural America. Many small towns that once supported a grain elevator, a farm store, an implement dealership, and several other businesses have been shuttered. No 108 108 108 - Farm Machinery, The Future, and More with Casey Seymour full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/701560084 https://share.transistor.fm/s/973b2b02 Fri, 25 Oct 2019 13:41:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2071 Past client and host of the Moving Iron podcast, Casey Seymour, joins me for my first ever “Swap Cast.” In this episode we discuss the future of farming, who’s going to farm, what equipment they’ll use, and where the opportunities lie. Consolidation will continue — as they always have in the Business of Agriculture — but beyond the commodity line lies plenty of fertile ground. We discuss all this and more, with plenty of attention paid to the machinery industry. Will there be autonomous machinery (yes), will it be smaller (yes, in time), and what happens to all those pieces of used equipment? Join in the discussion and leave your own comments on the future! Past client and host of the Moving Iron podcast, Casey Seymour, joins me for my first ever “Swap Cast.” In this episode we discuss the future of farming, who’s going to farm, what equipment they’ll use, and where the opportunities lie. Consolidation wil No 107 107 107 - Food Fear & Baby Food full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/700067476 https://share.transistor.fm/s/209a8acd Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:03:20 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1054 A recent study found 95% of baby food contains toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. As an Ag & Food person, I naturally assumed the business of food production would be maligned. So far, farming isn’t being blamed (too much) for the issue. In this episode we discuss food fear, the politicization of food, and how things like the baby food study will affect Ag moving forward. A recent study found 95% of baby food contains toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. As an Ag & Food person, I naturally assumed the business of food production would be maligned. So far, farming isn’t being blamed (too much) for the No 106 106 106 - Making Hay — the Business of Forage full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/696024661 https://share.transistor.fm/s/42c72569 Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:30:32 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1980 Did you know hay and forage are the third largest use of Ag land in the U.S.? We’ve never talked about hay on the Business of Agriculture podcast but that changed after I was hired to speak for the National Hay Association. Jeff Plourd from California and Bob McDowell from Michigan are two hay professionals. Jeff’s company exports hay to Asia and the Middle East. Bob’s company produces and brokers hay from Michigan and sells it (mostly) to horse owners in Florida and the southeast. They join me to talk about the hay business and take a look to the future of Ag. Did you know hay and forage are the third largest use of Ag land in the U.S.? We’ve never talked about hay on the Business of Agriculture podcast but that changed after I was hired to speak for the National Hay Association. Jeff Plourd from California and No 105 105 105 - County Agent: Past, Present, and What’s the Future Look Like? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/692259214 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a371325 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 14:52:48 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2125 105 years ago the Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service. The county Agent’s role was to extend information and education from each of his or her state’s land-grant university. If you grew up in Agriculture, you probably are familiar with the concept of the county Ag agent. But a lot has changed in the Business of Agriculture in the last century. How will the county agent remain relevant? Three county agents join me to discuss just that. Henry Dorough with Auburn University, Paula Burke with University of Georgia, and Stan Moore with Michigan State. Pull up a chair, you’ll learn a lot about the history of the U.S. and the history of Agriculture. 105 years ago the Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service. The county Agent’s role was to extend information and education from each of his or her state’s land-grant university. If you grew up in Agriculture, you probably are familiar wi No 104 104 104 - Meat: A Conversation - with Joe Harris full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/689626600 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b41f6e5 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 19:37:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2378 Joe Harris is the CEO and President of Southwest Meat Association. His membership is mostly in Texas but spans a total of 34 states. He joins me to discuss industry trends and challenges facing the animal protein business. His role is sometimes political so we discuss the real need for an immigrant worker plan (you’ll be intrigued by his example of the billboard outside a member’s meat packing plant) and the Meatless Monday policy in New York City. Joe also delves into the story of food safety and why he objects to plant -based protein being able to call itself “burger.” Sit down and listen to this episode with a steak — just when we thought we were done, Mr. Harris brought up a few more topics! Joe Harris is the CEO and President of Southwest Meat Association. His membership is mostly in Texas but spans a total of 34 states. He joins me to discuss industry trends and challenges facing the animal protein business. His role is sometimes politica No 103 103 103 - Alberta Agriculture 101 - with Steve Cowan full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/685576819 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2cff3b33 Mon, 23 Sep 2019 15:05:48 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2004 Over the years I’ve spoken to a lot of Agricultural audiences in the Canadian province of Alberta. For this episode I thought it would be fun to bring in a past client to explain farming, food, and Ag in central Alberta. Steve Cowan and I discuss the history of canola, the changing dynamic of prairie crop production, how trade disputes between China and the U.S. ultimately impact Canada, and dozens of other things you may or may not have known about Alberta’s role in the Business of Agriculture. Over the years I’ve spoken to a lot of Agricultural audiences in the Canadian province of Alberta. For this episode I thought it would be fun to bring in a past client to explain farming, food, and Ag in central Alberta. Steve Cowan and I discuss the hi No 102 102 102 - Sugary Drinks, Plant Based “Meat,” and a Cookie for Every Diet — Food Trends full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/681855497 https://share.transistor.fm/s/93803992 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:11:32 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2030 Agriculture is a consumer business that’s impacted by consumer trends. (By the way, so are ALL businesses!) Jim Dudlicek, Editorial Director for Progressive Grocer joins me to talk about food trends. What changes are going on in food and beverage consumption? We discuss the continual decline of sweetened beverages — although not if they’re sweetened with cane sugar — that’s a growth category now. Jim tells us about other hot new beverage entrants — everything from “Smoo-bucha” to vinegar based drinks (yuck!). Then we talk meat trends. What drives people to eat plant based protein? Some of Jim’s findings will surprise you. Turns out, vegans aren’t who’s buying Beyond burgers! Agriculture is a consumer business that’s impacted by consumer trends. (By the way, so are ALL businesses!) Jim Dudlicek, Editorial Director for Progressive Grocer joins me to talk about food trends. What changes are going on in food and beverage consump No 101 101 101 - Hemp: A Growth Category for Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/675865772 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a53d5f1 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:19:38 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2049 David Hasenauer is the founder of Greenpoint Research, a Florida based hemp company. This young Ag entrepreneur is looking to do some big things with an old crop. He explains the history of hemp, why it went away for several decades, and why it has such potential now. If you’ve been hearing about the potential of hemp and wondering how the business works, you’ve got to listen to this episode. I see more acres of hemp in U.S. fields soon — remember, we didn’t grow soybeans en masse until the 1950s! David Hasenauer is the founder of Greenpoint Research, a Florida based hemp company. This young Ag entrepreneur is looking to do some big things with an old crop. He explains the history of hemp, why it went away for several decades, and why it has such p No 100 100 100 - Meat and the Marketplace with CattleFax Analyst Troy Bockelmann full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/671714522 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4436c42 Tue, 27 Aug 2019 13:57:15 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1967 Troy Bockelmann is an analyst with CattleFax. He joins me to discuss beef, of course, along with a whole bunch of other stuff. We talk consumption numbers and trends in beef, pork and poultry, and what a cattle cycle is. Did you know 40% of beef produced goes to burger? Or that pork consumption faces resistance when we get over 52 pounds per person? What’s the marketing angle for beef, and will it go away due to plant based meat, or will it expand with grass fed offerings? You’ll like this discussion! Troy Bockelmann is an analyst with CattleFax. He joins me to discuss beef, of course, along with a whole bunch of other stuff. We talk consumption numbers and trends in beef, pork and poultry, and what a cattle cycle is. Did you know 40% of beef produced No 99 99 99 - Banking Tips for Producers, Agribusiness People, and even Bankers! full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/668503241 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc74ff92 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:04:55 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2055 Whether you’re a Farmer, Agribusiness person, or an Ag Banker, this episode is for you! John Blanchfield is a former Ag lender who then worked with the American Bankers Association Ag division. He now runs Agricultural Banking Advisory Services. He joins me to discuss: why 2019 will shape up better financially than we feared, and how we can all thrive (or at least survive) financially. John provides insights on how to see your Ag lender from their perspective. He then tells us what lenders see when they look at us and our Ag operations. John give us simple actions to take to always be a creditworthy loan recipient, and he shares mistakes we all commonly make and how to avoid them. Too many of my Ag friends avoid talking about money. Don’t be one of those people! Listen to this for straight talk about improving your banking relationship. Whether you’re a Farmer, Agribusiness person, or an Ag Banker, this episode is for you! John Blanchfield is a former Ag lender who then worked with the American Bankers Association Ag division. He now runs Agricultural Banking Advisory Services. He joins No 98 98 98 - Interpreting the USDA’s August Crop Report - with AFBF Economist John Newton full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/664842707 https://share.transistor.fm/s/95f99a86 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 20:04:32 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1530 Friend of show and chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, John Newton joins me to break down this week’s USDA crop report. The immediate result of the report: markets tanked on better production forecasts than the trade anticipated. But are the numbers for real? Mr. Newton and I think not — at least not for the anticipated yields of corn and soybeans. We discuss the report and what it means for the Business of Agriculture. Friend of show and chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, John Newton joins me to break down this week’s USDA crop report. The immediate result of the report: markets tanked on better production forecasts than the trade anticipated. But No 97 97 97 - Crop Insurance Explained full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/661961402 https://share.transistor.fm/s/31088665 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 15:35:41 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2176 We’ve heard a LOT about crop insurance this year — especially in the Midwest and Plains states. But do you truly understand crop insurance and how it works? For an explanation I brought on Ruth, Ashley and Liz from the Auburn Agency of Auburn, Nebraska. These ladies have seen (and helped mitigate) the devastation of flooding and relentless precipitation first hand. In this episode we discuss the crucial role Crop Insurance has, why the federal government is involved with it, and how it works. *** This is an excellent episode to share with your non-Ag friends who’ve asked about the role of crop insurance in the Business of Agriculture. We’ve heard a LOT about crop insurance this year — especially in the Midwest and Plains states. But do you truly understand crop insurance and how it works? For an explanation I brought on Ruth, Ashley and Liz from the Auburn Agency of Auburn, Nebraska. No 96 96 96 - Purposefully Grown Grain - Connecting Special Crops with Special Processing Needs full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/658648394 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8ac9637 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:36:37 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1862 We in the Business of Agriculture are amazing at producing grain. But the world of food — especially in developed countries like ours — continues to demand better or more specialized crops. Grain with more or less of a certain characteristic is desired by certain end users in the supply chain. That’s where Farm Strategy comes in. Chad Sager with Farm Strategy joins me to discuss the unique needs of some millers and processors and how he helps them locate the right supply. Farm Strategy helps farmers and even seed companies find a market for their specialized crop. In a few years Chad sees growth outside of wheat (their current focus) into a myriad of things. I’ll let him tell you about it. We in the Business of Agriculture are amazing at producing grain. But the world of food — especially in developed countries like ours — continues to demand better or more specialized crops. Grain with more or less of a certain characteristic is desired by No 95 95 95 - The Present & Future of Corn & Soy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/656397170 https://share.transistor.fm/s/15b188bc Thu, 25 Jul 2019 20:00:53 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1900 Ed Ebert is the Senior Director of Grain Production and Utilization with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. He joins me to explain how the corn and soybean check off program works and what the organizations do to promote our crops. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing corn and soybean farmers and the industry in general. Ed tells us why seven dollar corn was bad for American farmers and why the trade dispute with China created new relationships for the U.S. We cover lots of topics you’ll enjoy — biofuels, plant-based meat, corn and soy based plastic packaging, and the threat posed by countries like Brazil and Ukraine. Ed Ebert is the Senior Director of Grain Production and Utilization with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. He joins me to explain how the corn and soybean check off program works and what the organizations do to promote No 94 94 94 - Washington Wheat, Politics, and Environmentalism - with Randy Suess full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/652128023 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd918c84 Tue, 16 Jul 2019 20:35:50 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1988 Randy Suess is a recently retired Washington wheat farmer and former chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates. Randy is still involved in Agriculture through farm ownership and lobbying on behalf of the wheat industry. He joins me to discuss trade – which is vitally important to Washington state’s Ag sector. We also talk about the new world order of wheat and the impact on Ag from political movements masking as environmentalism. They used to say, “What happens on the coasts eventually comes to middle America.” If that's the case, we in the Business of Agriculture should be very concerned about environmental agendas that make voters “feel good” while harming Agriculture. Remember, as I always say, it’s never about the facts, it’s always about the feelings. Listen to this! Randy Suess is a recently retired Washington wheat farmer and former chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates. Randy is still involved in Agriculture through farm ownership and lobbying on behalf of the wheat industry. He joins me to discuss trade – which is vit No 93 93 93 - The Reality of Food Trends and How to Navigate Them full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/648595892 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b037af2d Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:37:36 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1634 For most of the 10,000 years since humans invented Agriculture, scarcity has been the norm. Food was difficult to produce, store, transport, and in many cases, financially challenging for many humans to buy. That’s not really the case anymore, at least not in the developed world. Affluent countries such as the U.S. in the last half century have figured out food production. Scarcity no longer determines food choice for most Americans (or Canadians or Europeans or Australians), trends do. Food fads are real. Think Greek yogurt today where as it was frozen yogurt in the late 80’s. Gluten free and low carb today will give way to the next trend in food consumption. So how do you successfully navigate food trends? Can your product or industry market or innovate it’s way to prosperity if the trend is against you? We explore that subject in this episode. From milk to eggs, avocados to beef, food trends are the reality of the marketplace. We’ll discuss how to navigate those trends. For most of the 10,000 years since humans invented Agriculture, scarcity has been the norm. Food was difficult to produce, store, transport, and in many cases, financially challenging for many humans to buy. That’s not really the case anymore, at least no No 92 92 92 - Lessons for Small & Niche Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/645183585 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f0f3b68 Tue, 02 Jul 2019 14:43:20 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1869 Tim Young chucked his corporate job to become an entrepreneur in his mid 30s. What he built was a marketing company that grew to employ 450 people. Then he sold it to pursue life as a small farmer. He bought an old dairy farm in rural Georgia and went about the process of making it into a business. His operation raised pasture pork and poultry. He decided the only way to make money as a small dairy operator was through adding value, so he became a cheese maker. Today Tim teaches other aspiring small farmers and wannabe niche Agriculturists how to turn their dream into reality. He shares lessons on establishing your own defensible competitive advantage, farm branding, and the 8 simple questions to thrive running your Agribusiness. Tim Young chucked his corporate job to become an entrepreneur in his mid 30s. What he built was a marketing company that grew to employ 450 people. Then he sold it to pursue life as a small farmer. He bought an old dairy farm in rural Georgia and went abo No 91 91 91 - Pork & World Affairs - with the CEO of National Pork Board, Bill Even full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/641875959 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4c71f4d0 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 15:07:13 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2065 Pork is the world’s most consumed meat. It’s also increasingly a news item due to global trade tensions and a nasty virus that’s currently eradicating China’s hog herd. Before 2018, China produced five times the number of pigs as the United States. Before 2018, China had half the world’s pig supply. Today, some estimates show China’s hog herd will be cut in half by end of year due to African Swine Fever. Bill Even, CEO of National Pork Board, joins me to discuss hog production in the United States and how it’s shaping or being shaped by world affairs. We expand on: the trade war between the U.S. and China, the reality of supply and demand, and whether or not China would like African Swine Fever to come to U.S. shores. If you’re looking for insight on pork as it pertains to today’s news, this is it. Pork is the world’s most consumed meat. It’s also increasingly a news item due to global trade tensions and a nasty virus that’s currently eradicating China’s hog herd. Before 2018, China produced five times the number of pigs as the United States. Before No 90 90 90 - Protein, Pork, Prices, and Prognostication full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/638535564 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b03c6ed8 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:39:39 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1786 You’ve likely not heard of Urner Barry but the company does a lot of behind the scenes work in the Business of Agriculture. Specifically, they report data and analytics on global protein production, consumption, and pricing. They’ve been doing this for 160 years, when Mr. Urner began a poultry pricing report on America’s docks. In this episode, I talk to two Urner Barry specialists about the world of meat, eggs, fish, and other protein. What does the wet farm belt mean for meat? How did the rainy Spring impact steak sales? And – the biggie – what does China’s African Swine Fever epidemic mean for global meat prices and consumption? Listen and you’ll find out all that and more. If you want to know about the “prognostication” part of this episode, China’s pork problems are going to be impacting food for a while! You’ve likely not heard of Urner Barry but the company does a lot of behind the scenes work in the Business of Agriculture. Specifically, they report data and analytics on global protein production, consumption, and pricing. They’ve been doing this for 16 No 89 89 89 - Animal Rights Activism, Ag Gag Laws & the Reality for Ag Following Fair Oaks Farms full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/636129159 https://share.transistor.fm/s/90436d78 Thu, 13 Jun 2019 16:52:10 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1823 By now you’ve likely seen the video and heard about the animal mistreatment at Fair Oaks Farms. Sadly, for the Business of Agriculture, this isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, I see animal activists increasing their attacks on livestock production and processing based on the response to the Fair Oaks video. Katharine Lotspeich is a partner in her family’s large scale Utah dairy operation and an Ag professional. She joins me to discuss Ag’s poor handling of this incident, the real agenda of animal activists, and the reality for Agriculture moving forward. Make no mistake, this incident hurts Agriculture, strains relating with our customers, and strengthens the radical animal rights cause groups who paint this as the norm. Our industry needs to do a better job of addressing this — we’ll tell you how. By now you’ve likely seen the video and heard about the animal mistreatment at Fair Oaks Farms. Sadly, for the Business of Agriculture, this isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, I see animal activists increasing their attacks on livestock production a No 88 88 88 - Biblical Weather, Trade Disputes, Prevented Planting, MFP….Ag’s Perfect Storm full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/631444158 https://share.transistor.fm/s/47a5d91e Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:53:42 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1916 Farm folks, as I always joke, are obsessed with the weather. This Spring they have good reason to be, with the vast swath of Agriculturally productive area impacted by storms, floods, and incessant rains. At the time of this recording (May 31, 2019), record levels of unplanted corn and soybean acres sit idle. Combined with the weather issues are trade disputes with China, and now Mexico, the US's second biggest Ag customer. On top of weather and trade disputes, farmers have crop insurance dictates to work around, and a USDA “trade aid” program that was announced—but completely void of details. What does all this mean for the Business of Agriculture? John Newton, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation joins me to discuss Ag’s perfect storm. Will we see $6 corn, trade deals finalized, higher food prices, and how many acres will remain idle? Join the conversation for our take. Farm folks, as I always joke, are obsessed with the weather. This Spring they have good reason to be, with the vast swath of Agriculturally productive area impacted by storms, floods, and incessant rains. At the time of this recording (May 31, 2019), reco No 87 87 87 - Organic Agriculture and the Future with BioSteward Farms - Andy Ambriole full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/628385625 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4030d02c Wed, 29 May 2019 13:25:27 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2042 Andy Ambriole, proprietor of BioSteward Farms, rejoins me on the Business of Agriculture podcast. Andy was a guest way back in episode 6! Andy is a business-minded 30 year old who always wanted to farm. He had his first Ag enterprise at age 9 with a pumpkin patch. As a teenager, he operated his own tomato business and greenhouse. Today he farms 1,300 acres of certified organic wheat, oats, barley, corn, and soybeans. Andy didn’t opt for organic farming because he’s an organic food zealot. He took the organic route as it was his best business option as an aspiring farmer with limited resources. If you follow me, you know I bristle at fear-based organic marketing. You’ll hear none of that in this episode — just a frank discussion about the Business of Agriculture from an organic perspective. Andy Ambriole, proprietor of BioSteward Farms, rejoins me on the Business of Agriculture podcast. Andy was a guest way back in episode 6! Andy is a business-minded 30 year old who always wanted to farm. He had his first Ag enterprise at age 9 with a pumpk No 86 86 86 - Ag Infighting, Professionalism, the Future, and Other Opinions From An Ag Millennial full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/623755908 https://share.transistor.fm/s/40d0938a Mon, 20 May 2019 19:10:13 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2048 Katherine Lotspeich is a 27 year old dairy farm girl from Utah (via Connecticut). She’s now an Ag professional married to a Vo-Ag school teacher in Colorado. She’s also a blogger with plenty to say. Which is why she joins me to discuss a whole host of Ag topics such as: the problem with “Thank a Farmer,” why Ag groups should stop “going along to get along,” and the damage caused by infighting among Agriculture. She and I both agree on the power of professionalism in our industry, then we discuss what Ag does right and why she’s excited about the future. This is a fun discussion. Pull up a chair! Katherine Lotspeich is a 27 year old dairy farm girl from Utah (via Connecticut). She’s now an Ag professional married to a Vo-Ag school teacher in Colorado. She’s also a blogger with plenty to say. Which is why she joins me to discuss a whole host of Ag No 85 85 85 - Activists Against Agriculture - When It Comes To Chemicals, They're Winning full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/619946559 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e89e490 Mon, 13 May 2019 14:54:58 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1278 Things aren’t good at Bayer, and that’s just how the activist groups dead set on destroying the chemical company like it. At this week’s shareholder meeting, 55% of Bayer shareholders refused to endorse the management. Chiefly, the shareholders were reacting to Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto, a deal that closed in June 2018. Since the Monsanto purchase, Bayer’s stock value has dropped 38%. The reason, of course, is litigation against Roundup herbicide. With 13,400 lawsuits filed (at this point in time), and Bayer going 0 for 2 in their first two lawsuits, things are a little dicey. The activist groups are winning. In this episode I’ll explain why they’re winning, and what the future might hold. Hint: It’ll be more lawsuits with a different target. Things aren’t good at Bayer, and that’s just how the activist groups dead set on destroying the chemical company like it. At this week’s shareholder meeting, 55% of Bayer shareholders refused to endorse the management. Chiefly, the shareholders were re No 84 84 84 - Intercropping, Manure, and More with Jason Mauck full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/618090738 https://share.transistor.fm/s/75ed6036 Thu, 09 May 2019 15:40:28 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1987 You’re gonna like this guy, although I’ll warn you ahead of time, at times he’s tough to keep up with. Jason Mauck is an Indiana farmer who thinks - and works - differently. Jason came back to his family’s 3,100 acre crop and hog operation after his father was diagnosed with cancer. Jason’s years away from the farm taught him about business and landscaping methods (he owned a landscaping company). He began experimenting with ideas he’d gleaned as a landscaper to improve the business of the farm. Listen to this high energy discussion, and you’ll hear about manure usage, intercropping, relay cropping, how to harvest wheat that’s interspersed with soybeans, and why sunlight is more valuable than seeding population. This was a fun interview (and this guy makes me look calm!). You’re gonna like this guy, although I’ll warn you ahead of time, at times he’s tough to keep up with. Jason Mauck is an Indiana farmer who thinks - and works - differently. Jason came back to his family’s 3,100 acre crop and hog operation after his fathe No 83 83 83 - Why “Feed The World” is Outdated - with Dr. Darrell Bricker, Author of Empty Planet full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/613860354 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8ed3f44 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 22:41:05 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1854 I’ve been telling my Ag audiences for several years that “Feed The World” is outdated, much as we in Ag might love the mantra. We love it, because it’s what we’ve always been told: that global populations are increasing rapidly and Ag needs to pump out massive amounts of food. We also love it because the slogan plays to our strength: commodity production in mass quantity. Only problem is, the population is about to start declining. As economics and education improve in the developing world, those countries are producing fewer babies. Two dozen countries are already losing population, and more countries are joining in the baby bust. What does this mean for the Business of Agriculture? Dr. Darrell Bricker joins me to explain. I’ve been telling my Ag audiences for several years that “Feed The World” is outdated, much as we in Ag might love the mantra. We love it, because it’s what we’ve always been told: that global populations are increasing rapidly and Ag needs to pump out ma No 82 82 82 - Colorado: Agriculture, Hemp, and the Future full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/610217178 https://share.transistor.fm/s/861d7961 Tue, 23 Apr 2019 14:08:04 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2061 Colorado Agriculture is either a crucible to predict what’s coming for the rest of us, or an anomaly we’ll all just witness from afar. The state has water issues, lots of suburban anti-Agriculture sentiment, and a burgeoning hemp industry. (Remember, Colorado was fast out of the chute on marijuana legalization.) I sat down with Justin Lewton of Lewton Farms, and Joe Rasnic of Agroplasma, Inc. to discuss all those issues and more. Justin and Joe are two young Ag professionals enrolled in the Colorado Ag Leadership Program. They explain the Ag Leadership Program, then we talk business. Join the conversation, and you’ll learn about large scale farming in Denver’s shadow, organic Ag, and the growth of hemp. Colorado Agriculture is either a crucible to predict what’s coming for the rest of us, or an anomaly we’ll all just witness from afar. The state has water issues, lots of suburban anti-Agriculture sentiment, and a burgeoning hemp industry. (Remember, Colo No 81 81 81 - Using Data Insights to Improve Farming Decisions full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/606852063 https://share.transistor.fm/s/72769bc1 Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:30:24 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1976 You’re likely familiar with the various technology platforms being marketed to farmers. The Climate Corporation’s Climate FieldView™ digital ag platform is one of them. The platform offers many options for farmers to collect, store, and view current and historical field data to uncover valuable field insights. What sort of data are we talking about, and how does it impact agronomic decisions for improved crop performance? Climate’s Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Ken Harris and Product Marketing Director, Rick Myroup joined me to answer these questions. They explained how the platform works, and how digital agriculture can be beneficial for a farmer’s bottom line. You’re likely familiar with the various technology platforms being marketed to farmers. The Climate Corporation’s Climate FieldView™ digital ag platform is one of them. The platform offers many options for farmers to collect, store, and view current and h No 80 80 80 - Managing the Farm’s Business with Nick Horob of Harvest Profit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/602914062 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f2b6954a Mon, 08 Apr 2019 18:22:20 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2009 Nick Horob started Harvest Profit in 2015. As an Ag consultant with a finance background, he saw a need for better farm business management through technology. Harvest Profit now has 440 customers in 28 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Nick joins me to discuss what he sees from his perspective in Ag. What are farmers doing right and wrong, how can we improve our businesses and minimize risk, and what does the future of the Business of Agriculture look like? You’ll enjoy this conversation and you’ll pick up a few nuggets you can use! Nick Horob started Harvest Profit in 2015. As an Ag consultant with a finance background, he saw a need for better farm business management through technology. Harvest Profit now has 440 customers in 28 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Nick joins me to No 79 79 79 - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cow Farts, & Why You Should Be Scared full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/599828775 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de8710ed Tue, 02 Apr 2019 15:15:57 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1359 Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the new shining star of the Democratic party. In February she rolled out her proposal for a Green New Deal. In two interviews since then, she’s expanded on her vision for a changed Agriculture to combat climate change as she sees it. When socialists talk about “doing something about factory farms,” what exactly do they mean? More importantly, who defines what constitutes a “factory farm?” She’s called for diet changes, particularly as it pertains to meat consumption. She gets applause using terms like “cow grain” and “regenerative agriculture” - even though lifelong farm guys like me can’t define either. There’s plenty to be concerned about when political media stars target your industry. In this episode, we’ll discuss a few things you should be concerned about that you may not have even considered. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the new shining star of the Democratic party. In February she rolled out her proposal for a Green New Deal. In two interviews since then, she’s expanded on her vision for a changed Agriculture to combat climate c No 78 78 78 - The Downstream Impact of Devastating Floods in The Midwest full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/596088450 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d13a1e02 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:56:42 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2104 Catastrophic weather events in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as Missouri, South Dakota, Kansas, and Minnesota are in the news. Our hearts go out to those affected by the floodwaters. But what’s the “downstream” impact of these floods? Dennis Haugen, North Dakota farmer, owner of General Grain grain salvage, and friend of the show joins me to discuss that. Railroads are unable to operate as track lies compromised from floodwaters. Trucks can’t roll, and barges can’t navigate. All this puts grain processors and end users using JIT production models in a pickle. Then there are the farmers and farmsteads — will they be ready to roll this spring? And what about their infrastructure and equipment — will insurance get them back to whole? When catastrophic events happen in that geographical area, the entire Business of Agriculture is affected. Tune in for an interesting discussion. Catastrophic weather events in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as Missouri, South Dakota, Kansas, and Minnesota are in the news. Our hearts go out to those affected by the floodwaters. But what’s the “downstream” impact of these floods? Dennis Haugen, North Da No 77 77 77 - Roundup & AR-15 Rifles: How Cause Groups Use Courts To Win What They Otherwise Can’t full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/592935498 https://share.transistor.fm/s/427b171d Wed, 20 Mar 2019 10:25:26 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1458 On March 19th, 2019 a San Francisco jury ruled that Roundup herbicide causes cancer. This is the second court ruling against Bayer (Monsanto). In this episode we look at the similarity between firearm lawsuits and chemical litigation. Ag chemicals and firearms have a lot in common: They’re both legal products, they both evoke tremendous emotion, and they’re both increasingly targeted by cause groups who use lawsuits to destroy their enemy. The strategy executed by anti - gun and anti- chemical organizations is remarkably similar. Yet we in the business of Agriculture still go to court arguing with facts. And that’s why we lose. Our opposition uses propaganda, willing media partners, emotion, and trial lawyers appeal to greed. On March 19th, 2019 a San Francisco jury ruled that Roundup herbicide causes cancer. This is the second court ruling against Bayer (Monsanto). In this episode we look at the similarity between firearm lawsuits and chemical litigation. Ag chemicals and f No 76 76 76 - Beef, Ag Economics, Feuds, and Lab Meat with Jerod McDaniel full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/588938613 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0b833273 Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:29:35 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1954 The host of Ag Uncensored and western Oklahoma farmer / rancher joins me to dig a little deeper on the subject of beef. Are those within the cattle industry dysfunctional, unable to get along, or is that just your perception? Is the checkoff program being funded fairly? Who’s making money off beef? And, my favorite back and forth to date on Lab Meat. If you’re looking for an episode with some “red meat,” you just found it. Be sure to stay tuned to hear Jerod’s closing advice. The host of Ag Uncensored and western Oklahoma farmer / rancher joins me to dig a little deeper on the subject of beef. Are those within the cattle industry dysfunctional, unable to get along, or is that just your perception? Is the checkoff program bei No 75 75 75 - Why There'll Be Less Corn full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/586371312 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7f26a31f Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:33:55 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1411 As farmers head to the field to plant corn this spring, it’s time to discuss something North American Agriculture doesn’t want to hear: The world is going to require less corn someday. And that someday might be sooner than you think. At the risk of being run out of Indiana - the fifth most corn producing state - I share in this episode the fundamentals working against corn. Ethanol, processed food, and livestock feed are big users of corn. Each of those categories faces headwinds, such as: electric cars, consumer tastes, environmentally pushed political agendas, plant-based protein, and the reality of economics. Telling Agriculture we need less corn is akin to standing up at Sunday School and proclaiming there is no God, I realize. But you don’t tune into this podcast to hear the same nonsense you get on Ag radio. Because we discuss issues shaping the evolution of the Business of Agriculture. As farmers head to the field to plant corn this spring, it’s time to discuss something North American Agriculture doesn’t want to hear: The world is going to require less corn someday. And that someday might be sooner than you think. At the risk of being No 74 74 74 - What Farm Managers & Appraisers Do, See & Think full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/581192058 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4bff3ce6 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 15:00:06 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2157 Real estate is the foundation of everything we do in Agriculture. Sometimes that real estate requires outside management or a professional to determine its value. Seth Baker and Ryan Aupperle are two guys who do just that. They are professional farm managers and appraisers in Illinois. They sit down with me to discuss what they do, what they see, and what things will be impacting Ag real estate and the Business of Agriculture. Why would a land owner need a professional farm manager? How do appraisers formulate real estate values? They’ll tell you why. Along with some pretty good insights and a story or two about blow ups over the family farm! We even discuss interest rates, the direction in land values, and whether farm land will be “Zillow-ized.” Real estate is the foundation of everything we do in Agriculture. Sometimes that real estate requires outside management or a professional to determine its value. Seth Baker and Ryan Aupperle are two guys who do just that. They are professional farm mana No 73 73 73 - The Business of Crop Inputs & Innovation with Helena full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/577459299 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c1ef47b Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:00:05 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1901 If you earn your living in the Business of Agriculture you likely are familiar with crop inputs. That’s all the stuff we use to produce an actual crop, like fertilizer, chemistry, seed, and so on. In the old days there was a model: you had a facility, you brought in stuff from the manufacturer, and you retailed said inputs to a farmer. But technology, consolidation, and the online marketplace is changing this model. Quickly! How do you stay ahead and avoid commoditization? I sit down in this episode with four bright employees of Helena Agri-Enterprises to discuss just that. We discuss soil, innovation, marketplace realities, challenges, and their view on the future of Ag. If you earn your living in the Business of Agriculture you likely are familiar with crop inputs. That’s all the stuff we use to produce an actual crop, like fertilizer, chemistry, seed, and so on. In the old days there was a model: you had a facility, y No 72 72 72 - Farming, Ranching & Western Oklahoma with Jerod McDaniel full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/574264989 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c83357a Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:31:32 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2013 Jerod McDaniel is a farmer, rancher, and podcaster from Texhoma, Oklahoma. He joins me to discuss his operation, the challenges of rural western Oklahoma, and the business of agriculture from his perspective. We devote a good amount of time to the topic of cattle but you’ll also like Jerod’s take on the need for Ag to work with what you’re given in any given year and the need for being adaptive to a constantly changing marketplace. Jerod McDaniel is a farmer, rancher, and podcaster from Texhoma, Oklahoma. He joins me to discuss his operation, the challenges of rural western Oklahoma, and the business of agriculture from his perspective. We devote a good amount of time to the topic No 71 71 71 - Business, Agriculture, And Beer Commercials full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/571100391 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc7da1f8 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:50:48 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1452 By now you’ve heard about and most likely seen the Bud Light Super Bowl commercial. The spot proudly proclaims Bud Light doesn’t contain corn syrup whereas the brand’s two biggest competitors do. Many of our co-horts in the Business of Agriculture - particularly corn growers- are up in arms. While I’m a pro-corn guy from a corn state, I’m gonna tell you in this episode why the commercial was probably good marketing on Bud Light’s part. I’ll also look a little deeper and explain why this commercial ties nicely with Anheuser Busch’s other two commercials, one for Budweiser and the other for Mich Ultra Pure Gold. The theme is socially conscious marketing. One spot touts environmentalism, one sells nature and organic compliance, and the “corn-troversial” one distances itself from a common villain: high fructose corn syrup. While we in Ag may not like it (and we may even feel singled out as corn producers) these are the realities of the marketplace. By now you’ve heard about and most likely seen the Bud Light Super Bowl commercial. The spot proudly proclaims Bud Light doesn’t contain corn syrup whereas the brand’s two biggest competitors do. Many of our co-horts in the Business of Agriculture - part No 70 70 70 - Business Lessons from Simplot full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/563924982 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d23ba579 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:00:03 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1845 J.R. Simplot started as an eighth grade dropout and hit his first entrepreneurial home run with hogs in the 1920s. Mr. Simplot went on to build an empire, mostly with potatoes (If you’ve eaten a McDonald's French fry, you’ve had their spuds!). Today Simplot employs 12,000 people worldwide, and is still family owned. The company’s Agribusiness division has 93 Ag retail facilities, cattle feeding operations, fertilizer production, a turf business, and potatoes, of course. While speaking at the company’s leadership forum, I pulled aside a V.P. and Director for their perspective on all things Ag. Where are the opportunities, where are there threats? How do you avoid stagnation as a successful company and continue innovating? This episode has some great ideas that anyone in the Business of Agriculture can benefit from. Be sure to listen to the end for closing nuggets and entrepreneurial advice to “fail fast!” J.R. Simplot started as an eighth grade dropout and hit his first entrepreneurial home run with hogs in the 1920s. Mr. Simplot went on to build an empire, mostly with potatoes (If you’ve eaten a McDonald's French fry, you’ve had their spuds!). Today Sim No 69 69 69 - The Business of Grain Elevators full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/561017073 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0339bce4 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 10:00:05 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1999 If you’re in the business of Agriculture you are probably familiar with country grain elevators. You may even think the grain elevator is dying. But it’s not. It’s just evolving, like everything else in Ag. In this episode I sit down with two grain elevator owners - an Iowan and an Ontarian - and a representative with White Commercial Corporation, a grain brokerage. We talk about the past, present, and future of grain elevators and the role they play in the Ag industry. You’ll love this conversation between the four of us — pull a chair up to the table! If you’re in the business of Agriculture you are probably familiar with country grain elevators. You may even think the grain elevator is dying. But it’s not. It’s just evolving, like everything else in Ag. In this episode I sit down with two grain el No 68 68 68 - Autonomous Farm Equipment full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/558968904 https://share.transistor.fm/s/65c24105 Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:38:36 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1957 Friend of show, Rob Saik, joins me to discuss his latest initiative. Rob is the founder of Agri-Trend, a company he sold to Trimble, and is the new C.E.O of DOT - a Canadian based autonomous machinery manufacturer. We discuss autonomous machinery’s application and future in farming. When and why will we see this new technology? What are the benefits (and downside) of autonomous farm implements? And why time and technology march on in the Business of Agriculture. Friend of show, Rob Saik, joins me to discuss his latest initiative. Rob is the founder of Agri-Trend, a company he sold to Trimble, and is the new C.E.O of DOT - a Canadian based autonomous machinery manufacturer. We discuss autonomous machinery’s appl No 67 67 67 - Ag Messages That Sell To Main Street Consumers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/555362376 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0e1143f4 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:58:43 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1190 We in Agriculture are constantly reminded of the need to “tell our story.” While I agree with the need for communicating with our non-Ag brethren, oftentimes the story we tell doesn’t stick. Why? Because it’s about us. And while suburban North Americans might like some behind the scenes peaks into our lives and how we earn our living while producing their food, the message that sells must be All About Them. In this episode I lay out the realities of communicating to our consumers and provide three messages that resonate with Main Street. We in Agriculture are constantly reminded of the need to “tell our story.” While I agree with the need for communicating with our non-Ag brethren, oftentimes the story we tell doesn’t stick. Why? Because it’s about us. And while suburban North America No 66 66 66 - New Year: Time to Set Goals, Reflect, and Eliminate Clutter full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/554436399 https://share.transistor.fm/s/43eca084 Sat, 05 Jan 2019 13:29:58 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 834 At new years time each year I sit down and get reflective about business and the year that was. What things did I accomplish, what did I not accomplish, and how can I improve upon those things for the new year. In this episode I give you an outline for goal setting that’ll help you achieve a life and business by choice. More importantly, I discuss the “ah has” one finds when critically looking back at the year that was. If you’re looking to eliminate distractions and boost productivity, give this a listen! At new years time each year I sit down and get reflective about business and the year that was. What things did I accomplish, what did I not accomplish, and how can I improve upon those things for the new year. In this episode I give you an outline for No 65 65 65 - Farm Bill 2018 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/547740981 https://share.transistor.fm/s/42ed446e Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:31:38 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1920 Like it or not, the Business of Agriculture is controlled, in large part, by the federal government. This has been the case for at least a century and became more pronounced with the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933. Since then the Farm Bill has been a package of ever-expanding legislation, adjusted and released about every 5 years. John Newton, Chief Economist with American Farm Bureau Federation joins me to discuss this Farm Bill. Listen to discover what’s new in the bill, what changes were made and why, and what’s it mean for you and the Business of Ag. Like it or not, the Business of Agriculture is controlled, in large part, by the federal government. This has been the case for at least a century and became more pronounced with the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933. Since then the Farm Bill has been a No 64 64 64 - Beef: Breeds, Business, Marketing and More full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/542502948 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd73c342 Mon, 10 Dec 2018 14:35:31 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2207 Montie Soules, CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, has been a cattle guy his entire career. Although, he was raised on a Michigan turkey farm, he’s all about the beef. Montie joins me to discuss the history of beef, genetics, cattle breeds, why breeds won’t matter as much in a decade, what the beef industry does right (and wrong!), and where the industry is headed. Be sure to stay tuned til the end for a valuable lesson for everyone in the biz of Ag about increasing profits through promotion. Montie Soules, CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, has been a cattle guy his entire career. Although, he was raised on a Michigan turkey farm, he’s all about the beef. Montie joins me to discuss the history of beef, genetics, cattle breeds, why b No 63 63 63 - Professional Opportunities In Ag full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/538180341 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ed91311e Mon, 03 Dec 2018 14:00:04 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1928 Tim Hammerich is a friend of the show who joined me way back in Episode 8. He returns to discuss career opportunities, career mistakes, and the reality of Ag mergers and consolidations as it relates to employees. Hint: where one door closes, another often opens! Turns out there are plenty of openings for people who know the industry of Food and Ag - especially if they’re willing to adapt and MOVE. That’s right, the Ag economy isn’t presenting a challenge for employers seeking talent, it’s candidates unwillingness to move that’s causing problems. Listen and you’ll learn how to be the prospect employers want. Hint number 2: when you say “I’ll go wherever God takes me,” that can’t be limited to Oklahoma! Tim Hammerich is a friend of the show who joined me way back in Episode 8. He returns to discuss career opportunities, career mistakes, and the reality of Ag mergers and consolidations as it relates to employees. Hint: where one door closes, another oft No 62 62 62 - Crowd Funding Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/533399037 https://share.transistor.fm/s/68eaf7b0 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 14:00:04 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2196 The Business of Agriculture is capital intensive, cyclical, seasonal, and generally reliant on outside cash for expansion. For decades we’ve relied on Ag lenders to finance our industry, but is that all changing? Austin Maness, Chief Operating Officer of Harvest Returns is my guest. His company connects Ag entities in need of capital with outside investors seeking diversification. Agriculture has always had outside money (think of farm land owned by heirs who’ve never seen it!) but this is different. Through the concept of crowd funding, Harvest Returns brings outside capital to Ag for as little as a $5,000 initial investment. Stay tuned to the end for our discussion on Qualified Opportunity Zone legislation — a potential boom for rural economic development. The Business of Agriculture is capital intensive, cyclical, seasonal, and generally reliant on outside cash for expansion. For decades we’ve relied on Ag lenders to finance our industry, but is that all changing? Austin Maness, Chief Operating Officer o No 61 61 61 - Tips To Improve Your Speaking & Communication About Ag full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/532943619 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8fbad310 Tue, 20 Nov 2018 16:42:39 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1939 Last week I delivered a session to a packed room of Ag women in Nebraska. The subject: How to better speak and communicate about the Business of Agriculture. It was so well received I wanted to share some of the program with you. Why do you need to be an effective communicator? Because we in Ag are completely outnumbered and much of what we do is misunderstood. Because everyone of us is a spokesperson for our company, our farms, and our industry. Because more than ever Ag’s consumers want to hear the story of their food. Let’s help ourselves and our industry by effectively telling a story that resonates with our customers while positively portraying the Business of Agriculture. Last week I delivered a session to a packed room of Ag women in Nebraska. The subject: How to better speak and communicate about the Business of Agriculture. It was so well received I wanted to share some of the program with you. Why do you need to be No 60 60 60 - California Prop 12 & The Real Agenda of Animal Rights Activists full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/529808256 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac5bbe20 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:10:40 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1969 California voters passed Proposition 12, requiring all eggs sold or grown in California to be from cage free hens by 2022. The law also dictates space requirements for veal and pork grown or sold in California. Humane Society of the United States was the major pusher of this legislation. Interestingly, HSUS's cohort and occasional rival in animal rights wackiness — PETA— disapproves of the measure, stating it doesn’t go far enough! In this episode I tell you what this legislation means for the business of agriculture ("cage free" is the way of the future). Why we must stop using price as our argument against regulation (consumers don’t care). And how Ag can fight better and take a lesson from Boy Scouts of America (there’s no appeasing whackos, so stop trying!). California voters passed Proposition 12, requiring all eggs sold or grown in California to be from cage free hens by 2022. The law also dictates space requirements for veal and pork grown or sold in California. Humane Society of the United States was th No 59 59 59 - The World Of Wheat full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/523275402 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cc6d6d90 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 14:00:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2097 Darren Padget is an Oregon farmer, a friend, and the secretary / treasurer of U.S. Wheat Associates. He’s also an Oregon Wheat commissioner. We sat down to discuss wheat production, his operation, and the world of wheat. Who’s eating wheat? Is the gluten-free craze impacting business? What’s the difference between hard red and soft white wheat? And, most importantly, does sending a 6 foot 10 inch wheat farmer to Asia increase trade or scare the customer? You’ll learn a few things and you’ll enjoy the discussion, recorded in Moro, OR. Darren Padget is an Oregon farmer, a friend, and the secretary / treasurer of U.S. Wheat Associates. He’s also an Oregon Wheat commissioner. We sat down to discuss wheat production, his operation, and the world of wheat. Who’s eating wheat? Is the glu No 58 58 58 - The Ag Economy, Equipment, and the Future full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/516793266 https://share.transistor.fm/s/68938500 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:00:03 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2190 Casey Seymour from the Moving Iron podcast is my guest. The Nebraska equipment guy gives his take on the Ag economy and Ag issues through the eyes of a machinery salesperson. We discuss: what’s moving, what’s not, and why, and the dollars and cents of machinery purchases. We talk about the global marketplace, selling farm implements in Ukraine, and the future of the Business of Agriculture. Stay tuned 'til the end to hear Mr. Seymour disagree with me on my prediction of two years ago about the likely proliferation of autonomous tractors. Casey Seymour from the Moving Iron podcast is my guest. The Nebraska equipment guy gives his take on the Ag economy and Ag issues through the eyes of a machinery salesperson. We discuss: what’s moving, what’s not, and why, and the dollars and cents of m No 57 57 57 - Estate Planning & Legal Talk for Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/516791931 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f54f8055 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 13:00:03 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1900 Too many Ag people do the hard work of running their Ag enterprise and accumulating assets, then avoid the easy work of estate planning. We often hear the horror stories in the industry of family Agribusinesses gone awry. Much of this can be alleviated through proactive legal consultation. My guest is Dan Gordon of Gordon and Associates - a law firm specializing in Agricultural estate planning. Dan provides guidance you’re likely looking for on how to keep the farm, preserve relationships, and run your business while taking care of the generation in front of you. Most of us are guilty of putting off necessary legal preparations. Dan will tell you all the reasons not to. You can trust him. I do. He’s my estate attorney! Too many Ag people do the hard work of running their Ag enterprise and accumulating assets, then avoid the easy work of estate planning. We often hear the horror stories in the industry of family Agribusinesses gone awry. Much of this can be alleviated No 56 56 56 - Ag Headlines & Issues with Delaney Howell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/515835702 https://share.transistor.fm/s/38e6df47 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 19:50:59 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2069 Delaney Howell from Ag News Daily joins me to discuss a myriad of issues and news items in the world of Agriculture. Among them: Trump’s visit to Iowa to announce higher blend rates of E-15 — good for political posturing, not necessarily gonna move the corn market. African swine fever’s impact on soybeans (hint, dead pigs don’t eat soybeans). The reality of USDA’s pledge to agriculture. The silliness of Non - GMO vodka. And closing thoughts anyone in Ag can use. Join the talk and join the fun. Delaney Howell from Ag News Daily joins me to discuss a myriad of issues and news items in the world of Agriculture. Among them: Trump’s visit to Iowa to announce higher blend rates of E-15 — good for political posturing, not necessarily gonna move the No 55 55 55 - Selling Roundup In California full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/512283924 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bcbd7bf5 Wed, 10 Oct 2018 14:14:32 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1892 My guest is Alan Bishop, a rural Wisconsin kid who, after graduating from the Ag school at the University of Wisconsin, ended up in Fresno. His job: To sell this new miracle chemical called Roundup. Alan and I met following my presentation to the Western Plant Health Association in Monterey, CA. We discuss the craziness of environmental compliance in California and repercussions for all of Ag after the recent $289M Roundup verdict. Alan teaches us about cotton, specialty crops, the uniqueness of western Agriculture, and then we contemplate a future without glyphosate. My guest is Alan Bishop, a rural Wisconsin kid who, after graduating from the Ag school at the University of Wisconsin, ended up in Fresno. His job: To sell this new miracle chemical called Roundup. Alan and I met following my presentation to the Wester No 54 54 54 - Distorted Reality: The Effect of Tariffs & Trade On Ag full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/509069652 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7700189f Wed, 03 Oct 2018 19:28:54 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2058 The media has been all abuzz over tariffs and trade negotiations, especially as it pertains to Agriculture. Well, good for us, seems the media only pays attention to Agriculture when they can paint a doom and gloom scenario. But are we in a doom and gloom scenario? What is the real impact of tariffs and trade wars on the Business of Agriculture? Dennis Haugen, North Dakota farmer and agribusinessman is my guest. We discuss the revised NAFTA, global markets, and separate the reality from the hyperbole. You’ll like the discussion, we cover everything from EU protectionism to the Soviet Grain Embargo! The media has been all abuzz over tariffs and trade negotiations, especially as it pertains to Agriculture. Well, good for us, seems the media only pays attention to Agriculture when they can paint a doom and gloom scenario. But are we in a doom and glo No 53 53 53 - Seed Production & Sales with Doug Hubner full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/502183332 https://share.transistor.fm/s/53151612 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 17:02:03 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1897 Doug Hubner is a third generation seedsman, farmer, and brand manager for Hubner Seed. In 2002 the company started by his father and grandfather reinvented itself by focusing on the eastern states. The strategy worked. In 2007 Monsanto (now Bayer) bought Hubner Seeds. But Doug and his father retain the farm and processing company. And Doug stayed on as brand lead for the new venture. He and I talk about his multiple roles as a farmer, corporate employee, and owner/operator of a seed processing business. In this episode you’ll learn about seed corn production. You’ll also get some solid take aways to improve your business. Doug Hubner is a third generation seedsman, farmer, and brand manager for Hubner Seed. In 2002 the company started by his father and grandfather reinvented itself by focusing on the eastern states. The strategy worked. In 2007 Monsanto (now Bayer) boug No 52 52 52 - The Biz of Talking Funny to The Business of Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/497991744 https://share.transistor.fm/s/94f6306d Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:25:35 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2061 The Biz of Talking Funny to The Business of Agriculture Tim Moffett is a Florida dairy farmer with an interesting side job: He’s an Agricultural comedian. Like me, he gets paid to speak at Ag meetings. Join our fun conversation as we take you back stage. You’ll see showbiz from our perspective. We discuss material creation, open mic nights, the three shows within every show, gigs gone bad, and the fun part of talking to the Business of Agriculture. The Biz of Talking Funny to The Business of Agriculture Tim Moffett is a Florida dairy farmer with an interesting side job: He’s an Agricultural comedian. Like me, he gets paid to speak at Ag meetings. Join our fun conversation as we take you back stage. No 51 51 51 - Ag Finance - A Banker’s Perspective full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/493282179 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0d2fe0e7 Fri, 31 Aug 2018 13:31:58 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2010 #podcast #DamianMason #BusinessOfAgriculture #AgricultureBusiness #podcast #DamianMason #BusinessOfAgriculture #AgricultureBusiness No 50 50 50 - Animal Agriculture, Antibiotics, Ag Infighting, And More full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/491066793 https://share.transistor.fm/s/44916cd7 Sun, 26 Aug 2018 23:35:53 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1776 Jim Smith is a Technical Swine Nutritionist with Kent Feeds. He and I met a few years back when his company hired me to speak at a national sales meeting. He’s also farmer, an active Ag Tweeter, and a friend of the show. We discuss the need for more animal scientists, why livestock producers can’t “save their way to prosperity,” and the amazing job Animal Ag is doing at cutting antibiotic usage. We also delve into the topic of Ag’s propensity for internal conflict — seems we all have haters! You’ll enjoy this discussion. Jim Smith is a Technical Swine Nutritionist with Kent Feeds. He and I met a few years back when his company hired me to speak at a national sales meeting. He’s also farmer, an active Ag Tweeter, and a friend of the show. We discuss the need for more an No 49 49 49 - The Media-Perpetuated March Against Monsanto Marches On full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/489027300 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd66588f Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:02:36 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2001 Monsanto- now part of Bayer - doesn’t event exist anymore. But that doesn’t mean the March Against Monsanto will die. The protest will live on, the only thing that changes is the target. In this episode you’ll hear why the movement against glyphosate and Monsanto persists (hint, it’s very profitable for “non profits”). We discuss the Environmental Working Group’s clever hit piece designed as news. All the while disguising their real motive and gaining legitimacy through willing accomplices in the media. Why does any of this matter to the Business of Agriculture? Because you’re paying for these lawsuits, first off. Secondly, advocacy groups and an Ag-ignorant populace seem hell bent on ridding Ag of the world’s most common herbicide. Monsanto- now part of Bayer - doesn’t event exist anymore. But that doesn’t mean the March Against Monsanto will die. The protest will live on, the only thing that changes is the target. In this episode you’ll hear why the movement against glyphosate a No 48 48 48 - Back to School for the Business of Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/484956186 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9476c25 Mon, 13 Aug 2018 15:17:38 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1793 We in the business of agriculture must do our part to foster tomorrow’s leaders and workers. With school back in session this month, I thought it’d be appropriate to bring in an example of just that. A leader and worker for tomorrow’s Agriculture, Jordyn Sills is my guest. A senior studying Agribusiness Management at Purdue, Ms. Sills just completed her third Ag internship. She and I discuss what we in Ag do well and where we can improve on mentoring our future. We talk Ag education, the benefits of FFA, and why we need more internships. You’ll enjoy the perspective and insights from a Post Millennial’s vantage point. We in the business of agriculture must do our part to foster tomorrow’s leaders and workers. With school back in session this month, I thought it’d be appropriate to bring in an example of just that. A leader and worker for tomorrow’s Agriculture, Jord No 47 47 47 - Whats In The News And Damian's Head full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/481417440 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b550d49c Sun, 05 Aug 2018 14:10:42 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1848 In this episode hear my thoughts on current events in the Business of Agriculture. We revisit the “nuisance” lawsuits against pork producers in North Carolina. Smithfield just lost it’s third straight court case - and this one is reportedly gonna cost $94 million to pay off only six neighbors! What do lawsuits against Ag mean for you and what can the Business of Agriculture do to stop them? We also discuss trade issues and why I still believe we’ll have better deals in place by October. Notice how much more agreeable Europe became when facing the prospect of losing US markets for cars? Finally, I close out with a lesson I shared at a recent crop field day on why you can’t skimp your way to prosperity. Enjoy! In this episode hear my thoughts on current events in the Business of Agriculture. We revisit the “nuisance” lawsuits against pork producers in North Carolina. Smithfield just lost it’s third straight court case - and this one is reportedly gonna cost $ No 46 46 46 - A Conversation with Farm Babe full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/476577828 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bdc460e Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:19:25 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1787 Michelle Miller a.k.a. The Farm Babe is a social media star, speaker, sheep farmer, and AgDaily contributing writer. She joins me to discuss food labeling, farming, the future, and consumer issues. We also talk about the role of communicating Ag to a non-Ag populace and whether or not the word “Agvocate” is proper terminology. This is a fun visit - join us! Michelle Miller a.k.a. The Farm Babe is a social media star, speaker, sheep farmer, and AgDaily contributing writer. She joins me to discuss food labeling, farming, the future, and consumer issues. We also talk about the role of communicating Ag to a no No 45 45 45 - A (Great) Discussion with an Ag Entrepreneur full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/474491205 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4a36fb3a Fri, 20 Jul 2018 20:54:34 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1916 Barry Aycock is a farmer, farm owner, cotton gin operator, nursing home owner, and founder of AgXplore. Barry was a farm boy who aspired to become a college professor, but some people just aren’t made for a 3 hour work week! So, he worked as a cotton scout and was so good at it, he won a national award. He was recruited to help the country of Bolivia grow cotton on the edge of the jungle, and that’s where he started his company. We talk about business, environmentalism, crop chemistry issues, being fined by the EPA, the future of Agriculture, and more. If you enjoy conversations with entrepreneurial types, this episode is for you! Barry Aycock is a farmer, farm owner, cotton gin operator, nursing home owner, and founder of AgXplore. Barry was a farm boy who aspired to become a college professor, but some people just aren’t made for a 3 hour work week! So, he worked as a cotton sc No 44 44 44 - Gettin' Groceries (Part 2) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/468228165 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f17e41db Fri, 06 Jul 2018 19:04:27 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1804 Jim Dudlicek of Progressive Grocer and I continue our conversation about all things grocery. In part two we talk about the future of food. What’s happening in the meat and dairy case? Why is the segregation of organic and “natural” food going away? Does laboratory meat have a place on consumer’s plates anytime soon? And what’s the grocery store of the future gonna look like? Gettin’ groceries is hardly the same as it was a decade or two ago. This is a really interesting discussion and Jim’s a very knowledgeable resource. Join us! Jim Dudlicek of Progressive Grocer and I continue our conversation about all things grocery. In part two we talk about the future of food. What’s happening in the meat and dairy case? Why is the segregation of organic and “natural” food going away? No 43 43 43 - Gettin’ Groceries (Part 1) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/468224847 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2cf4b56f Fri, 06 Jul 2018 18:58:20 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1370 The Business of Agriculture IS the business of food. In North America, food is more than mere sustenance, food is a trend. My guest is Jim Dudlicek with Progressive Grocer. He explains what’s hot and what’s not in the grocery aisles. He tells us about the consumer’s push for fresh, why “center store” is stagnant, and the popularity of plant -based protein. What happens at the grocery store matters to everyone in the business of agriculture! The Business of Agriculture IS the business of food. In North America, food is more than mere sustenance, food is a trend. My guest is Jim Dudlicek with Progressive Grocer. He explains what’s hot and what’s not in the grocery aisles. He tells us abo No 42 42 42 - Soybeans, South Dakota & So Much More! full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/466087134 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2db78f6 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 23:52:09 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2279 My guest is Brandon Wipf, South Dakota farmer and member of the American Soybean Association Board of Directors. We discuss the business side of agricultural production. Brandon talks about some of his good habits and shares ideas on how you can improve yourself and your business. We also cover global trade and why he thinks TPP could be a huge economic bonus to American Ag. You’ll enjoy this discussion with a sharp young Ag professional who’s also a voice for Ag in D.C. My guest is Brandon Wipf, South Dakota farmer and member of the American Soybean Association Board of Directors. We discuss the business side of agricultural production. Brandon talks about some of his good habits and shares ideas on how you can improv No 41 41 41 - Meet My Dairy Farmer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/462331533 https://share.transistor.fm/s/02ed8d2a Sat, 23 Jun 2018 13:45:50 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1993 OK, he’s not really “my” dairy farmer. He's “a" dairy farmer who rents my farm land. This being dairy month, I thought it’d be a good time for you to hear from him. Johan DeGroot joins me to discuss all things dairy from a 30 year old farmer’s perspective. What’s the dairy industry doing right? What’s different than a decade ago? Where will the dairy spat between Canada and the U.S. end up? And where would an overstretched young operator spend an additional 4 hours each week? It’s a good discussion and chance to meet Johan - a newly sworn in U.S citizen! OK, he’s not really “my” dairy farmer. He's “a" dairy farmer who rents my farm land. This being dairy month, I thought it’d be a good time for you to hear from him. Johan DeGroot joins me to discuss all things dairy from a 30 year old farmer’s perspect No 40 40 40 - Who Needs Agricultural Law? We Do! full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/459947577 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ac7eb9d Mon, 18 Jun 2018 13:12:16 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2006 Ours is a unique industry with many factors that are unfamiliar to most people or businesses. Zoning, livestock operation disputes, estate planning headaches, employment legalities, environmental regulation, are just a few of the issues in Ag. My guest is Amy Cornell, president of Agribusiness Council of Indiana. She’s also an attorney specializing in Agriculture, a lobbyist, and farm girl. While there’s an attorney on every corner, there’s actually a shortage of attorneys with Agricultural expertise. We in the Business of Agriculture, must protect our interests. Who needs an AG Lawyer? Turns out we all do! Ours is a unique industry with many factors that are unfamiliar to most people or businesses. Zoning, livestock operation disputes, estate planning headaches, employment legalities, environmental regulation, are just a few of the issues in Ag. My guest No 39 39 39 - The Importance of Mental Health in Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/456898728 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2f9fcd3e Mon, 11 Jun 2018 17:06:28 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1917 The day I recorded this podcast, celebrity chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain completed suicide. According to the Centers For Disease Control, suicides in the United States are up 30%. For the Business of Agriculture, the numbers are even worse. 85 farmers per 100,000 kill themselves annually. Suicide rates for farmers are 6.3 times the national average. This is a mental health crisis. It’s also tragically sad. The good news, if there is any, suicide is preventable. My guest is Alicia Cowdrey, M.D. who specializes in psychiatry. We talk about the importance of mental health and what you can do to maintain yours while working in the Business of Agriculture. The day I recorded this podcast, celebrity chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain completed suicide. According to the Centers For Disease Control, suicides in the United States are up 30%. For the Business of Agriculture, the numbers are even worse. No 38 38 38 - Going to War With Canada! Joined by RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/455206227 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf0270cd Thu, 07 Jun 2018 18:09:48 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2212 At this moment there is plenty of bluster over global trade. Even Canada and the USA - two counties touting the longest uncontested border on Earth - are on the verge of spatting. I talk to Real Ag Radio host, Shaun Haney for a Canadian perspective. We talk trade imbalances (they’re not always bad), why Canada and the USA’s spat has nothing to do with Agriculture, and why Canadians always bring up the war of 1812. At this moment there is plenty of bluster over global trade. Even Canada and the USA - two counties touting the longest uncontested border on Earth - are on the verge of spatting. I talk to Real Ag Radio host, Shaun Haney for a Canadian perspective. W No 37 37 37 - "It's Not Natural!" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/448795179 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c80928a6 Fri, 25 May 2018 00:28:35 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1442 We hear the word “natural” a lot as it pertains to food and agriculture. But what does it even mean? Like the word “sustainable,” ask 100 different people and you’ll receive 100 different definitions of “natural.” In fact, “natural” is thrown about so commonly these days, the Food and Drug Administration was petitioned to define the word. Until recently, I deemed “natural” to be little more than a marketing phrase. Then, an Ag detractor scolded me for “unnatural" food production methods. The problem with that statement: all food production methods are unnatural. Humans are hunter gatherers by nature. We invented agriculture! Along with lots of other cool stuff that enhance human existence. Join me for the conversation. It’s natural! We hear the word “natural” a lot as it pertains to food and agriculture. But what does it even mean? Like the word “sustainable,” ask 100 different people and you’ll receive 100 different definitions of “natural.” In fact, “natural” is thrown about so No 36 36 36 - Farm Bill: Facts, Fights, and Moving Forward full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/446376486 https://share.transistor.fm/s/da4d96f6 Sat, 19 May 2018 19:49:27 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2200 This week the house voted down the first draft of Farm Bill 2018. What does this mean for people involved in Ag? Why should taxpayers care about the Farm Bill? (hint, because it effects a LOT of non farm stuff!). And what should Ag expect moving forward? My guest is my brother, Eric Mason — 32 year veteran of the Farm Service Agency. We discuss USDA issues, the pending Farm Bill, and it’s impact on the business of Agriculture. Please share this episode with your non -Ag friends. It’s a great discussion with Farm Bill facts, insights, and a few opinions. And you get to hear from one of my siblings! This week the house voted down the first draft of Farm Bill 2018. What does this mean for people involved in Ag? Why should taxpayers care about the Farm Bill? (hint, because it effects a LOT of non farm stuff!). And what should Ag expect moving forwa No 35 35 35 - What Lawsuits VS. Pork Mean for Ag & Consumers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/442557018 https://share.transistor.fm/s/870ee0ed Fri, 11 May 2018 12:14:42 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1755 April 26, 2018 a federal jury in North Carolina awarded nearly $51 million to 10 plaintiffs in a “Swine Nuisance” verdict. The award was reduced two weeks later by a federal judge to $3.25 million. Either way, meat production may have just gotten a lot more expensive — there are 25 more cases filed just in North Carolina! What does this mean for the future of meat production and what does it mean for consumers? More importantly, what really went on trial? Was it odor and noise, as the case contends? Or is farming and “Big Ag” under assault by cause groups using the courts to achieve their agenda? And lets not forget the financial angle…. are your neighbors going to use the North Carolina precedent to take money from you? April 26, 2018 a federal jury in North Carolina awarded nearly $51 million to 10 plaintiffs in a “Swine Nuisance” verdict. The award was reduced two weeks later by a federal judge to $3.25 million. Either way, meat production may have just gotten a lot m No 34 34 34 - Agriculture’s Positive Contribution to Earth (Day) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/433889742 https://share.transistor.fm/s/baa0e8f8 Mon, 23 Apr 2018 12:47:26 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1372 April 22nd, 2018 marks the 48th installment of Earth Day. In this episode I give you some background on Earth Day. Did you know it was a social movement attempting to capitalize on the anti- Viet Nam war fervor? Earth Day is also credited for creating the EPA - now an $8 billion, 15,000 employee federal juggernaut — oftentimes at odds with Agriculture. (WOTUS anyone?) The business of agriculture has many environmental accomplishments our detractors never mention. But I do! Share this episode with your non Ag friends. We’re talking Earth and Agriculture. Earth is our livelihood and our biggest asset. Happy Earth Day! April 22nd, 2018 marks the 48th installment of Earth Day. In this episode I give you some background on Earth Day. Did you know it was a social movement attempting to capitalize on the anti- Viet Nam war fervor? Earth Day is also credited for creating No 33 33 33 - Talking Ag & Humor with Mark Mayfield full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/432708240 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3790b580 Fri, 20 Apr 2018 18:10:33 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1961 Join the conversation with fellow Ag speaker and funny man, Mark Mayfield. Usually we cover issues impacting the industry of food and farming but this episode is a bit lighter. Mark and I discuss comedy, why comedian and farmer are job descriptions that get disrespect, humorous material that only works for Ag audiences, the perils of the job as a traveling talker, and more. Join the conversation with fellow Ag speaker and funny man, Mark Mayfield. Usually we cover issues impacting the industry of food and farming but this episode is a bit lighter. Mark and I discuss comedy, why comedian and farmer are job descriptions tha No 32 32 32 - Commodity Markets 101 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/428134971 https://share.transistor.fm/s/38e64aa9 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:51:18 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1903 Last week was a volatile week in the grain trade but what does all this mean? Matt Bennett of Bennett Consulting joins me to discuss the basics of commodity markets, terminology of the trade, and his thoughts on the global grain business. We discuss how you can profit - or at least limit your risk - as a grain buyer or seller. We close with Matt’s advice for limiting emotional mistakes and why he’s bullish on the Business of Agriculture. Last week was a volatile week in the grain trade but what does all this mean? Matt Bennett of Bennett Consulting joins me to discuss the basics of commodity markets, terminology of the trade, and his thoughts on the global grain business. We discuss how No 31 31 31 - Why Agriculture On Public Land Won’t Exist In 20 Years full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/424141083 https://share.transistor.fm/s/949cac1c Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:56:32 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 865 Ranching & Farming on public land will come to an end in the next 20 years. In this episode I tell you why. I also delve into political reality: this is a bigger issue than just a few thousand ranchers on public land, it’s about the culture of Agriculture. Which is very much at odds with the media’s portrayal of contemporary America. Ranching & Farming on public land will come to an end in the next 20 years. In this episode I tell you why. I also delve into political reality: this is a bigger issue than just a few thousand ranchers on public land, it’s about the culture of Agri No 30 30 30 - Ag Trade, Tariffs, And Trump full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/421087047 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bfe04580 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:02:26 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1994 The Business of Agriculture is caught in the crosshairs of trade negotiations. As usual. Agricultural crops are often used as bargaining chips. Food is commonly used as a political weapon. So, what is the current picture of trade? Will China really stop buying American soybeans - and what if they do? Should you panic? Jim Wiesemeyer, D.C. policy analyst for ProFarmer and Farm Journal is my guest. We’re talking NAFTA, TPP, global Ag markets, and mega changes in the Business of Agriculture. The Business of Agriculture is caught in the crosshairs of trade negotiations. As usual. Agricultural crops are often used as bargaining chips. Food is commonly used as a political weapon. So, what is the current picture of trade? Will China really stop No 29 29 29 - National Ag Week 2018 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/417045219 https://share.transistor.fm/s/36e359f1 Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:49:15 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 656 This week we celebrate Agriculture with our 45th National Ag Day. While it’s a day to recognize all that Ag does, we sometimes take the “thank a farmer” movement a little too far. Wouldn’t it also be appropriate to thank the paying customer who buys our product? In this episode I share thoughts for the men and women of Agriculture, followed by an Ag Day message for our consumers. Please share this podcast with your non Ag friends. Because this week is all about celebrating North American Ag’s bounty. Do so and enjoy! This week we celebrate Agriculture with our 45th National Ag Day. While it’s a day to recognize all that Ag does, we sometimes take the “thank a farmer” movement a little too far. Wouldn’t it also be appropriate to thank the paying customer who buys our No 28 28 28 - Agricultural Mergers & Acquisitions full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/414373524 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d7a4ac5a Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:25:06 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1976 The business of Ag has seen a rapid amount of consolidation. Seed, chemical, equipment, fertilizer, and possibly even grain handlers are getting fewer in number. And bigger. Will size and scale stifle innovation? Do new companies have greater control over farm customers? Seems it’s not a matter of if, but when, will we reach the point of Big 3 Economics - with 3 major players in every category. But does it even matter? A century ago critics screamed Sears was going to control the world! How’d that play out? The business of Ag has seen a rapid amount of consolidation. Seed, chemical, equipment, fertilizer, and possibly even grain handlers are getting fewer in number. And bigger. Will size and scale stifle innovation? Do new companies have greater contro No 27 27 27 - Why We In Ag Lose to Fake News full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/410538045 https://share.transistor.fm/s/45836886 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:36:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1145 Fake news is a new term for an old practice: using misinformation to trigger an emotional reaction, thereby affecting an outcome. I delve into the history of media-perpetuated inaccuracies. Particularly, how it negatively impacts the Business of Agriculture. From Oprah’s anti-beef episode to gluten as evil. When it comes to fake news, we lose. Learn how Ag can battle better. Defense versus offense. The peril of playing nice when our opponents don’t. And why facts don’t matter to a feelings based customer. Fake news is a new term for an old practice: using misinformation to trigger an emotional reaction, thereby affecting an outcome. I delve into the history of media-perpetuated inaccuracies. Particularly, how it negatively impacts the Business of Agricul No 26 26 26 - Agriculture 5.0 - the Past, Present, and Future of Food Production full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/405597789 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c96db7d Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:33:40 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2136 Friend of Show, Rob Saik joins me to deliver his take on Agriculture past, present, and future. What innovations make it possible for 1% fo the populace to feed the other 99%? What agricultural advancements allowed human advancement? We talk about the 5 iterations of Agriculture: Muscle, Machinery, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Convergence. This episode explores where food production and the business of agriculture are headed. Friend of Show, Rob Saik joins me to deliver his take on Agriculture past, present, and future. What innovations make it possible for 1% fo the populace to feed the other 99%? What agricultural advancements allowed human advancement? We talk about th No 25 25 25 - The Future of Ag, Dairy, and Being a Twitter Star with Dwayne Faber full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/402079320 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2fa556c9 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 19:12:21 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1859 Dwayne Faber is a Twitter star who earns his living as a dairy farmer in Washington state. We talk about the Ag economy, the future of commodity production, money, and family. We also delve into social media and the finer points of comedy. Two ADHD dairy guys getting funny on this episode of The Business of Agriculture! Dwayne Faber is a Twitter star who earns his living as a dairy farmer in Washington state. We talk about the Ag economy, the future of commodity production, money, and family. We also delve into social media and the finer points of comedy. Two ADHD dai No 24 24 24 - How Ag Can Benefit by Selling Social Consciousness full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/399597453 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c7bb4e5 Wed, 14 Feb 2018 17:38:31 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1029 You hear me talk a lot about Ag’s ability to reap bigger profits by breaking the commodity mindset. Socially conscious branding is an excellent opportunity to do this. If you watched the Super Bowl - or even if you didn’t - social consciousness was on display with several commercials. Take for example, Anheuser - Busch, who devoted two spots to the brewer’s work at providing clean water to people in need. Why does this matter to you, and Agriculture in general? Because affluent consumers such as ours in North America spend money to feel good about doing global good. And we’re not taking advantage of this marketing opportunity. Give this a listen and I’ll give you some ideas on how we can! You hear me talk a lot about Ag’s ability to reap bigger profits by breaking the commodity mindset. Socially conscious branding is an excellent opportunity to do this. If you watched the Super Bowl - or even if you didn’t - social consciousness was on d No 23 23 23 - Food Police, Food Policy And More With Jayson Lusk (part 2) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/396320274 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f7c1a4a Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:26:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1573 From government, to cause groups, to well - intentioned foodies, seems everyone is out to control food and agriculture. Jayson Lusk, author of “The Food Police: A Well -Fed Manifesto about the Politics of Your Plate” joins me to talk about the various food forces. Topics: why soda taxes don’t make fat people skinny, should there be federal dietary nutritional guidelines (we disagree on this!), the perils of Ag’s reliance on the school lunch program, and disruptive trends in food and agriculture. Besides writing books about food, Jayson Lusk is also the head of the Agricultural Economics department at Purdue University. I asked him what Ag schools are doing to combat the anti - Ag forces that weren’t as well weaponized a few decades ago. ** We made this a two part podcast. Enjoy! From government, to cause groups, to well - intentioned foodies, seems everyone is out to control food and agriculture. Jayson Lusk, author of “The Food Police: A Well -Fed Manifesto about the Politics of Your Plate” joins me to talk about the various fo No 22 22 22 - Food Police, Food Policy And More With Jayson Lusk (part 1) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/395997426 https://share.transistor.fm/s/40aeecf1 Wed, 07 Feb 2018 20:30:44 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1520 From government, to cause groups, to well - intentioned foodies, seems everyone is out to control food and agriculture. Jayson Lusk, author of “The Food Police: A Well -Fed Manifesto about the Politics of Your Plate” joins me to talk about the various food forces. Topics: why soda taxes don’t make fat people skinny, should there be federal dietary nutritional guidelines (we disagree on this!), the perils of Ag’s reliance on the school lunch program, and disruptive trends in food and agriculture. Besides writing books about food, Jayson Lusk is also the head of the Agricultural Economics department at Purdue University. I asked him what Ag schools are doing to combat the anti - Ag forces that weren’t as well weaponized a few decades ago. ** We made this a two part podcast. Enjoy! From government, to cause groups, to well - intentioned foodies, seems everyone is out to control food and agriculture. Jayson Lusk, author of “The Food Police: A Well -Fed Manifesto about the Politics of Your Plate” joins me to talk about the various fo No 21 21 21 - Talkin' Taters full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/393450735 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f918b374 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:34:24 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1815 Chips, fries, hash browns, baked, scalloped, and lets not forget tater tots. In this episode, I talk taters with Matt Hemphill of Potatoes New Brunswick. Yep, that’s one of the Maritime Provinces just east of Maine and Canada’s third biggest producer of spuds. We eat potatoes but how familiar are we with this amazing tuber? Did you know a lot of potato farmers get 25- 30 tons of spuds per acre? Did you know China is now the number one producer of potatoes. Did you also know Asia is discovering what we did long ago - that French Fries are delicious? Pop a cold beverage and fill a plate with your favorite potato product because we’re talkin’ taters! Chips, fries, hash browns, baked, scalloped, and lets not forget tater tots. In this episode, I talk taters with Matt Hemphill of Potatoes New Brunswick. Yep, that’s one of the Maritime Provinces just east of Maine and Canada’s third biggest producer of No 20 20 20 - To Have A Farming Legacy, You Need A Farming Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/388425248 https://share.transistor.fm/s/612953c5 Wed, 24 Jan 2018 14:55:38 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1956 Agriculture is changing. To protect the legacy and lifestyle we love so much, we must address the business side of farming. While farmers are amazing at production, there are other complexities. Issues of size, scale, input management, legalities, managing employees, and keeping a handle on financials, for example. Jim Raftis, with Family Farms Group is my guest. FFG works with member teams — independent family farms. Acting as coach, consultant, and information resource, FFG help farmers strengthen their weaknesses. Loads of takeaways on how to improve your Ag enterprise and keep up the legacy! Agriculture is changing. To protect the legacy and lifestyle we love so much, we must address the business side of farming. While farmers are amazing at production, there are other complexities. Issues of size, scale, input management, legalities, mana No 19 19 19 - Welcome to Ag Normal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/385976591 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2f17ac06 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 14:13:49 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1637 We in Agriculture have a tendency to run for the exits screaming “fire!” when faced with a bit of price adversity. In this episode I tell you why the Ag economy slowed down, why it’s normal, and why you should still be excited about the future. American Ag ingenuity will continue to create high quality, value added products an increasingly affluent global middle class demands. We’re talking trade, money, farm land, regulation, consolidation, and what all this means for you. Super cycles like we experienced from 2005-2013 are the exception, not the norm. Welcome to Ag Normal! We in Agriculture have a tendency to run for the exits screaming “fire!” when faced with a bit of price adversity. In this episode I tell you why the Ag economy slowed down, why it’s normal, and why you should still be excited about the future. American No 18 18 18 - Farm Real Estate - Part 2 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/381133667 https://share.transistor.fm/s/46763da2 Tue, 09 Jan 2018 18:37:49 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1007 PART 2 OF 2 Real estate is the biggest capital asset we in Agriculture have. So what’s happening with Ag land? Who’s buying, who’s selling and for how much? Are investors out bidding farmers for dirt? Is there going to be an Ag land meltdown? Is farm land still a good investment? Should you manage your own farm land or hire a professional? Howard Halderman of Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management joins me for an informative 2 part series covering a lot of ground. A lot of ground, get it? PART 2 OF 2 Real estate is the biggest capital asset we in Agriculture have. So what’s happening with Ag land? Who’s buying, who’s selling and for how much? Are investors out bidding farmers for dirt? Is there going to be an Ag land meltdown? Is farm No 17 17 17 - Farm Real Estate (Part 1) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/379345352 https://share.transistor.fm/s/363f538f Fri, 05 Jan 2018 21:56:01 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1521 PART 1 OF 2 Real estate is the biggest capital asset we in Agriculture have. So what’s happening with Ag land? Who’s buying, who’s selling and for how much? Are investors out bidding farmers for dirt? Is there going to be an Ag land meltdown? Is farm land still a good investment? Should you manage your own farm land or hire a professional? Howard Halderman of Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management joins me for an informative 2 part series covering a lot of ground. A lot of ground, get it? PART 1 OF 2 Real estate is the biggest capital asset we in Agriculture have. So what’s happening with Ag land? Who’s buying, who’s selling and for how much? Are investors out bidding farmers for dirt? Is there going to be an Ag land meltdown? Is farm No 16 16 16 - The Family & The Farm full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/377201027 https://share.transistor.fm/s/45f52675 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 03:08:18 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2000 Agriculture is a family business. But what happens when there’s a death, divorce, dispute, or default? Who is the manager? Where does the money come from? And how will you keep things from blowing up between the personalities involved? Jolene Brown, farmer, speaker, and family business consultant joins me to discuss the personal, professional, and legal aspects of a family Ag biz. Want to keep your family financially solvent and still speaking to one another after a disruption or death? Listen to this episode for great advice on setting up a thriving family biz. As Jolene says, “A conversation is not a contract.” Agriculture is a family business. But what happens when there’s a death, divorce, dispute, or default? Who is the manager? Where does the money come from? And how will you keep things from blowing up between the personalities involved? Jolene Brown No 15 15 15 - Soil Health & the End of Tillage full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/372730871 https://share.transistor.fm/s/889bece5 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:57:44 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1881 Are we treating our soil like dirt? In some ways yes. Agronomist Jodi DeJong-Hughes, regional educator in crops and soils with with University of Minnesota Extension joins me. We talk about the evils of tillage, soil health, and provide recommendations on what Ag can do to enhance your land. For example, did you know a 1% increase in organic matter increases water holding capacity by 27,000 gallons per acre? Listen and learn what you can do to enhance soil — it’s Ag’s most valuable asset! Are we treating our soil like dirt? In some ways yes. Agronomist Jodi DeJong-Hughes, regional educator in crops and soils with with University of Minnesota Extension joins me. We talk about the evils of tillage, soil health, and provide recommendations No 14 14 14 - Grain Salvage and Ag Entrepreneurialism full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/368581913 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8cef33c Tue, 12 Dec 2017 18:41:45 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1779 Dennis Haugen is a North Dakota farmer who ran a side business cleaning grain. In 1995 a 50- car train derailment on his farm sparked another business venture: salvage work. Mr. Haugen still farms but his business has grown into various other endeavors. He has his own trademarked radish brand for cover crop mixes and his company, General Grain, handles salvage jobs all over North America. What happens when a barge of distillers grain catches on fire en route to New Orleans? Or an entire ship of fraudulently labeled organic grain from Ukraine is left to rot on the dock in Baltimore? That’s where Dennis comes in. In The Business of Agriculture you’ve gotta look for the next opportunity. This is an interesting and inspirational listen! Dennis Haugen is a North Dakota farmer who ran a side business cleaning grain. In 1995 a 50- car train derailment on his farm sparked another business venture: salvage work. Mr. Haugen still farms but his business has grown into various other endeavors. No 13 13 13 - The Past, Present, and Future of the Farm Cooperative full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/366735632 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e18973f5 Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:23:13 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1630 When I was a kid, we went to the co-op every week to get our feed ground. The highlight for me was a bottle of ice cold Choc-ola from the vending machine! Much has changed for the cooperatives serving farmers since then, just as much has changed in Agriculture. They’ve merged, expanded, and renamed, but co-ops still serve Agriculture. In this episode I talk to Stan Feekes, general manager of Farmers Co-Op Society for perspective on the past, present, and future of this unique aspect of rural American agricultural development. When I was a kid, we went to the co-op every week to get our feed ground. The highlight for me was a bottle of ice cold Choc-ola from the vending machine! Much has changed for the cooperatives serving farmers since then, just as much has changed in Agri No 12 12 12 - Ag Innovation & GMOs full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/363547691 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f193103b Fri, 01 Dec 2017 16:38:38 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1724 When Ford or Google advance humanity through technology, we hail their progress. So, why is innovation in food production treated differently? I sit down with Ag entrepreneur, businessman, and authority on genetic engineering in Ag, Rob Saik. We have a spirited, and informative talk about: the environmentalism of GMOs, how The Non-GMO Project proliferates ignorance via “butterfly bullshit,” and Rob’s assertion that we’re entering the era of Agriculture 5.0. When Ford or Google advance humanity through technology, we hail their progress. So, why is innovation in food production treated differently? I sit down with Ag entrepreneur, businessman, and authority on genetic engineering in Ag, Rob Saik. We have a No 11 11 11 - Making What We Can Make vs. Making What Consumers Want full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/356423198 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e76effa Thu, 16 Nov 2017 01:56:42 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1622 There’s an issue that all businesses in all industries face: Do you sell what you’re good at making or do you make what you can sell. The day I recorded this podcast a genetics company publicized a pig they’d developed with 24% less fat. But the marketplace didn’t ask for a low fat pig. Well heeled consumers are paying premiums for pork with more fat. Why? Because we spent several decades breeding the fat out of pigs during the era of “low fat” food marketing. When the fat left, so did the flavor and moisture. Joining me to talk about meat, flavor, and food innovations that sell is food author, steak lover, and all around foodie, Mark Schatzker. There’s an issue that all businesses in all industries face: Do you sell what you’re good at making or do you make what you can sell. The day I recorded this podcast a genetics company publicized a pig they’d developed with 24% less fat. But the marketp No 10 10 10 - The Future of Manure full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/352560353 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6dc69983 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 21:45:48 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1832 Environmentalism is the latest weapon deployed by those who seek control over what people eat while putting animal agriculture out of business. One of the biggest arguments against meat, milk, and eggs is resource usage and management of manure. Jeramy Sanford, Nutrient Separation Specialist with GEA joins me to talk about the future of manure. We also talk money, nutrient management, and appealing to environmentalism in Animal Ag. Environmentalism is the latest weapon deployed by those who seek control over what people eat while putting animal agriculture out of business. One of the biggest arguments against meat, milk, and eggs is resource usage and management of manure. Jeramy Sa No 9 9 09 - Regulation Nation’s Impact on Ag full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/350917501 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3cf9c2d5 Sat, 04 Nov 2017 03:05:17 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1902 The cost of compliance with burdensome regulations makes American Ag less competitive in world markets. Federal regulations and EPA overreach effect all of us in agriculture but farms in California face greater scrutiny. My guest is Eric Bream, California citrus grower, olive producer, and voice of the opposition. We discuss why it won’t be the price of crops that puts farmers out of business — it’ll be the price of regulation! The cost of compliance with burdensome regulations makes American Ag less competitive in world markets. Federal regulations and EPA overreach effect all of us in agriculture but farms in California face greater scrutiny. My guest is Eric Bream, Californ No 8 8 08 - Careers and You in the Future of AG full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/348517459 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eda0374a Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:42:33 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2148 What areas of employment in Ag are hot? Where is the glut? What skills are employers craving in new hires? How do you set yourself apart from the competition to land your dream job? Tim Hammerich of Agri-Associates joins me to talk professional opportunities in Ag and much more. He should know, he’s a professional recruiter. He’s also a podcaster — “The Future of Ag”— which I’ve been a guest on twice, a former grain merchandiser, and past president of the National FFA. This episode offers advice and insights for everyone in Ag, from employers to job seekers to entrepreneurs. What areas of employment in Ag are hot? Where is the glut? What skills are employers craving in new hires? How do you set yourself apart from the competition to land your dream job? Tim Hammerich of Agri-Associates joins me to talk professional oppor No 7 7 07 - Farm Misconceptions, Money, & Milk full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/347675405 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd1163fb Thu, 19 Oct 2017 20:00:31 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 2019 My guest is Jack Britt, a scientist, teacher, entrepreneur, and prior to all that, Dr. Britt was a professor for 40 years. Jack is also a consultant and speaker to the Business of Ag, so I brought him in to discuss public misconceptions the general public has about farming. Why the masses think family farms are dying, the mistaken belief farms are going away, or that farms are tearing out timber to make crops (that’s only happening in other countries!). We also discuss the Ag economy with some historical perspective and, because Jack is a dairy farm kid like me, we talk milk. Stay tuned til the end, Jack has some good advice regarding the Business of Agriculture’s environmental footprint. My guest is Jack Britt, a scientist, teacher, entrepreneur, and prior to all that, Dr. Britt was a professor for 40 years. Jack is also a consultant and speaker to the Business of Ag, so I brought him in to discuss public misconceptions the general publi No 6 6 06 - Damian Goes Organic? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346642215 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a2d24c39 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:57:38 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1947 While I have issues with how organic food is marketed, I don’t oppose organic farming or farmers. We’re all involved in the same business: Agriculture My guest, Andy Ambriole of BioSteward Farms, is a sharp young man who farms 1,100 acres of organic barley, wheat, soybeans, and corn. He’s also been actively engaged (sometimes enraged!) with me on social media. The organic sector expanded by 23% last year according to NASS. Let’s talk organic! While I have issues with how organic food is marketed, I don’t oppose organic farming or farmers. We’re all involved in the same business: Agriculture My guest, Andy Ambriole of BioSteward Farms, is a sharp young man who farms 1,100 acres of organic ba No 5 5 05 - Communicating Ag Better full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346641787 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2fe92796 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:53:22 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1791 We in Ag are commonly told to “improve our elevator speech.” Only problem, I hate talking to people in elevators. Worse yet, we in Ag are outgunned by highly paid, trained PR staffs from cause groups such as PETA and HSUS. I bring in former newspaper editor and communication expert, Mike Perkins, to help you improve how you talk, write, listen, and communicate your message to the world. We in Ag are commonly told to “improve our elevator speech.” Only problem, I hate talking to people in elevators. Worse yet, we in Ag are outgunned by highly paid, trained PR staffs from cause groups such as PETA and HSUS. I bring in former newspaper No 4 4 04 - What Ag Does Right & Wrong full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346641195 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f9e8b667 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:48:05 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1408 Admit it, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. So does our industry. I cover the 5 things we in Ag do right: Production, Innovation, Conservation, Accumulation, and Family. And I discuss the 5 areas where we need improvement: Commodity Mindset, Communication, Pushing Cheap Food, Fighting Poorly, and Thinking Ag is About Us (Hint, it’s not. We’re a consumer business!) Admit it, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. So does our industry. I cover the 5 things we in Ag do right: Production, Innovation, Conservation, Accumulation, and Family. And I discuss the 5 areas where we need improvement: Commodity Mindset, C No 3 3 03 - Used Machinery & Business Talk full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346640768 https://share.transistor.fm/s/38d13c0f Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:44:40 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1686 My guest is Dave Pefley of Pefley Farm Equipment, one of the nation’s largest auction and used machinery companies. We discuss the Ag economy. What’s changed about selling machinery? Do Ag people love what they do more than the rest of humanity? Do you need a formal business plan to be successful? This episode IS NOT an update on equipment prices, it’s two business guys discussing what it takes to be successful! My guest is Dave Pefley of Pefley Farm Equipment, one of the nation’s largest auction and used machinery companies. We discuss the Ag economy. What’s changed about selling machinery? Do Ag people love what they do more than the rest of humanity? Do y No 2 2 02 - Legal Talk, Leases & Recreational Land full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346640299 https://share.transistor.fm/s/38212694 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:40:46 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 1832 Land is the highest valued asset most Agricultural people possess. Therefore, it’s imperative you protect it and attain a return on your investment. This includes recreational property too. In this episode I bring in friend, hunting companion, and attorney, Scott Reust. Why is trespassing on $200,000 of wooded acreage treated differently than in a similar valued vacation home? How do you protect yourself from liability? How can you profit from leasing your property to outdoorsman? Land is the highest valued asset most Agricultural people possess. Therefore, it’s imperative you protect it and attain a return on your investment. This includes recreational property too. In this episode I bring in friend, hunting companion, and att No 1 1 01 - Welcome to The Business of Agriculture: Podcast full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346638736 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5572b299 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:27:08 +0000 Damian Mason Damian Mason 403 Looking for smart talk with entertaining commentary about the business of food, fuel, and fiber? You’ve found it. This podcast offers tips for success, ideas for self betterment, and mental stimulation for people who make Agriculture their Business. Damian Mason is an agriculturist, entrepreneur, speaker, writer, and funny man. As he says, “You don’t need any more Ag people discussing weather or commodity prices, you have that information on your phone!” Looking for smart talk with entertaining commentary about the business of food, fuel, and fiber? You’ve found it. This podcast offers tips for success, ideas for self betterment, and mental stimulation for people who make Agriculture their Business. No