Just Say Hay

In this powerful episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast , Jon sits down with family nurse practitioner Leslie Ferrell to talk about the real challenges facing rural healthcare today — from hospital closures and low Medicaid reimbursements to the nursing shortage and tele-health struggles. Leslie, a long-respected healthcare provider in Southern Illinois, shares her insights from decades on the front...

This quick Memorial Day episode of Just Say Hay takes a lighthearted but meaningful look at Clarkson’s Farm , the hit Amazon series that unexpectedly became a voice for small farmers. Jon shares why this British show has made a surprising impact on agriculture — raising public awareness, spotlighting red tape, and showing what real farm life looks like. It’s a fun watch with real lessons, especial...

In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast , we sit down with market farmer Caleb Boulds of The 280 Farm to talk about the hard-won lessons of building a small farm business from scratch. From eighth-grade pumpkin flops to roadside self-serve veggie stands, Caleb shares his entrepreneurial journey, the struggle for land access, and why community relationships matter more than ever in today’s ag...

This week on Just Say Hay: The Podcast , Jon reflects on the best advice he ever received — and how it transformed his farm from a passion project into a thriving business. From equipment upgrades and rebuilding a friend’s old service truck to deep conversations on tariffs, trade, and the future of ag exports, it’s been a busy few weeks. Jon also dives into practical steps small farmers can take t...

The global trade war is heating up—and small farms are caught in the crossfire. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can brace for the impact. The headlines say “tariffs,” but for small farmers, it feels like a gut punch. In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast , Jon shares a brutally honest take on how the U.S.–China trade war is already hitting farms across the country. From...

The Farm Bill is often presented as a lifeline for American agriculture, but is it actually working for small farmers? In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast , we uncover the hidden reality behind this massive piece of legislation—how it overwhelmingly benefits corporate agribusiness while small farms struggle to survive. We take a deep dive into the history of the Farm Bill , from its origi...

What if AI could tell you the best time to cut hay or monitor your livestock 24/7? In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast , Jon explores how artificial intelligence is transforming small farms—not just for big ag, but for farmers like you. From AI-powered weather predictions to computer vision tools that identify weeds in your field, we break down what’s real, what’s hype, and where the bigg...

In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast , we take a deep dive into the controversial topic of immigration—specifically how it impacts small farms. With mass deportations and labor shortages making headlines, large-scale agriculture often dominates the conversation, but what about the small farmer? We break down the realities of labor costs, the H-2A visa program, and how policies disproportio...

Beyoncé snagging the Country Music Album of the Year at the Grammys might sound like a joke, but it's a reality that sparked our deep dive into media manipulation and industry dynamics. How did the Grammy voting process transform from an honor system to one where commercial interests hold sway? With two decades of music and broadcasting experience, I pull back the curtain on what really happe...

I've watched Elon Musk for years and how he thinks about efficiencies in business.  These are some of my thoughts on how DOGE (The Department Of Government Efficiency) might recommend changing the USDA and how these changes might impact those of us who farm. How can we help?

What if the very organizations meant to support small farms were causing more harm than good?  We then shift gears to scrutinize the mammoth budget of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, questioning whether its allocation, particularly toward the SNAP program, truly benefits farmers. Inspired by Elon Musk's efficiency-focused management style, we consider how government agencies might better...

Enjoy this conversation with my friend  Greg Zurlieni, affectionately known as Billy Bob, with Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners as we discuss the vibrant world of small farm communities and agricultural innovation. Greg, who serves as the president of the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, shares his unique insights into the world of forage farming, revealing the quirks and challenges that come wi...

The election is over!  No matter who you voted for we need to look to the future. How can we help?

In this episode of Just Say Hay, we discuss how to figure how much hay you'll need to get through winter and deciding when to diversify your operation. How can we help?

Unlock the secrets to enriching small farm nutrition and maximizing crop yields with our special guest, Dan Peterson, a regional agronomist from AgroLiquid. Dan brings an exciting blend of expertise in agriculture and a love for music, sharing how liquid fertilizers can revolutionize small farm operations. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how products like AgroLiquid can offer an effici...

This episode takes you on a journey through the unique advantages of farm life in shaping resilient and independent young adults, highlighting how structured responsibilities and expanding boundaries prepare them for complex situations. Listen to a heartwarming story about my daughter's mental and emotional fortitude, honed through farm life, as she tackles tough scenarios at work. As we face...

What if you could revolutionize your small farm's efficiency with just a touch of technology? Join us as we tackle this intriguing question, exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of small-scale farming. We share personal stories, including an engaging story about a tech-phobic farmer who thrives without modern tools, and highlight the balancing act between nostal...

In this episode of 'Just Say Hay,' the host, a small-scale commercial farmer, reflects on the challenges from the 2024 season, such as weather impacts and equipment issues, are highlighted alongside improvements like better quality hay and expanding land. The host shares experiences with pipeline companies, relationships with other farmers, and equipment transitions, including a signific...

In this episode I talk with Dr. Travis Beasley from the Beasley Equine Clinic.  We talk about a lot of horse related issues, including the importance of quality forage, stomach ulcers, the use of propionic acid and much more.  Check out their social media channels: Beasley Equine Clinic: https://www.facebook.com/beasleyequineclinic https://www.youtube.com/@BeasleyEquineClinic How can we help?

In this episode, I talk about how we got started farming.  How we grew from just a few acres to an 800+ acre commercial forage farm.  I talk about how it's not magic, you can do it too. How can we help?

Another farm goes under and it really hit home why we started SI Farmer! How can we help?

How can we help?

Doing good as a way to help market! How can we help?

We have a larger responsibility over and above marketing our own farms. How can we help?

Sometimes it's better to do things the hard way! How can we help?