Join us as we explore the journey of third-generation farmers Brittany and Calvin Beasley of Beasley Orchard in Indiana. Discover their diverse crop operations, agritourism strategies, and how they navigate modern farming challenges while sharing insights into sustainable practices and community engagement.

key topics

• Diversification of crops and agritourism activities
• Challenges of farming near suburban development
• Family farm legacy and succession planning
• Use of technology and innovative practices in farming
• Labor management and H2A visa program
• Marketing and community engagement strategies

Chapters

In this episode, we explore the journey of Jeremy's Matuszewski sons, TJ and Bobby, as they transition into the family business, Thunderstruck. We discuss their experiences with farm shows, product innovation, and balancing sports, coaching, and work, highlighting the importance of family, innovation, and industry connections.

Key topics

• Transition from non-ag backgrounds to family business
• Farm show strategies and customer engagement
• Product innovation and design in agriculture
• Balancing sports, coaching, and work commitments
• Family dynamics and succession in agriculture

Chapters

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Loran Steinlage from West Union, Iowa, exploring innovative farming practices, soil health, crop diversification, and the future of agriculture. Discover insights on relay cropping, cover crops, data-driven farming, and industry collaborations that are shaping sustainable agriculture.

key topics

• Relay cropping and its benefits
• Soil health and carbon sequestration
• Use of cover crops like cereal rye and annual ryegrass
• Data collection and farm management technology
• Industry collaboration and biofuel policies
• Farm diversification and crop rotation strategies
• Challenges and solutions in modern farming
• Farmer mentorship and community engagement

Takeaways

Relay cropping can produce three cash crops a year, boosting income.
Cover crops like cereal rye improve soil structure and reduce weeds.
Data collection with soil sensors shows soil health is improving.
Industry engagement helps farmers adopt new technologies.
Farmers can balance profitability with sustainability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest overview
02:02 Farm history and crop diversification
03:58 Industry events and technology showcases
06:50 Relay cropping and soil health benefits
12:06 Data collection and farm management
15:54 Soil improvement and cover crop strategies
21:11 Industry collaboration and policy insights
27:52 Farmers' perspectives on innovation
34:58 Future trends and industry partnerships
42:05 Closing thoughts and farmer advice

Have a listen as we talk with Bo Allen about how he started a custome harvest busness in Ohio

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews agriculture journalist Chris Bennett about the hidden stories of farming, wildlife encounters, and the complexities of agricultural media. They explore fascinating tales from the field, the challenges of investigative reporting, and the unique culture of rural America.

key topics

• The role of storytelling in agriculture
• Wild pig attacks and their impact
• Historical mysteries like the lady in red
• Crop insurance fraud schemes
• Challenges of investigative journalism in farming
• The culture and biases of agriculture media
• The importance of authentic farm stories
• Wildlife interactions and their dangers
• The influence of history on modern farming
• The complexity of rural law enforcement

Chapters