Around the Fencepost

Ernest Weaver, the Southwest Territory Manager for Byron Seeds, shares his journey from dairy farming to becoming an integral part of Byron's growth. He discusses the vital role he played in the company's development and the focus on forage, grasses, and summer annuals. Ernest's commitment to superior feed and digestibility is evident throughout the conversation. The conversation covers topics rel...

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Ben Masemore shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to transitioning to carpentry and housing crisis, and eventually returning to the family farm. He discusses his experience with no-till farming, soil management, and the importance of conservation in agriculture. The conversation covers the impact of cover crops on soil health, the growth and expansion of Noble, and the art and scienc...

The conversation with Miss Veronica Steer of Sunbow Jerseys in Cottage Grove, Tennessee covers the farm's history, challenges, and the use of social media to share authentic farm experiences. The discussion also delves into the importance of storytelling and the impact of technology on dairy farming practices. The conversation covers a range of topics including vaccination, dairy promotion, grazin...

Juliette Albrecht of Grassy Milk Dairy shares the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to small-scale, grass-driven, and consumer-connected dairy farming in Missouri. From the initial move to Missouri to the success of direct milk sales, Juliette's story is one of resilience, learning, and community connection. Juliette shares her experiences and insights as a dairy producer, emphasizing the i...

🐄 What really drives profit in a cattle operation? In this episode of Around the Fencepost, we discuss the management decisions that have the biggest impact on profitability. While many producers focus on cattle prices, genetics, and equipment, true profitability often comes from how well you manage your forage resources and available acres. The conversation explores the relationship between fora...

Dr. Roger Gates shares insights on forage agronomy, regenerative agriculture, and the establishment of warm-season perennials. He emphasizes the importance of soil health, diversity, and the abundance mentality in agricultural practices. The discussion covers the management of summer annuals, perennial establishment, and fertility preparation for fall planting. Takeaways Regenerative agriculture e...

The conversation covers the challenges and slow growth in the cattle business, including the management of cattle operations, risk management, market dynamics, mindset, belief, and support in agriculture, pressures in the cattle industry, and future plans and goals for the business. Takeaways Slow growth in the cattle business Challenges of land acquisition and management Chapters 00:00 Starting a...

Dr. Bruno Padreira discusses the importance of soil fertility and pH in forage production, sharing insights on his background, challenges in Tennessee forage production, and the management of soil fertility for optimal plant nutrition. He emphasizes the role of extension agents as valuable resources for agricultural information. The conversation delves into the importance of long-term planning for...

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to farming, hay production, and forage management. It delves into the challenges, insights, and lessons learned from years of experience in the agricultural industry. The discussion also highlights the importance of adaptability, quality, and continuous improvement in farming practices. Takeaways Continuous improvement is essential in farming...

John Winchell, a dairy nutrition expert, shares insights on forage quality, the utilization of annuals and rotations, and the management of alfalfa and grass mixes. He also discusses the understanding of triticale and rye in dairy farming. The conversation delves into the science of spring growth, exploring phonology, visual triggers for growth, and the use of nature as an approach. It then shifts...

The conversation delves into the significance of soil biology, the role of mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture, and the impact of farm practices on soil health. Brady shares insights on quality control, customized product blends, and the importance of DNA analysis in soil. The discussion also covers weed suppression, water absorption, and the benefits of no-till farming. Additionally, the impact of B...

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Jeff Jackson's background, experience, and expertise in forage and livestock management. It also delves into the importance of building relationships, providing valuable information, and the passion for helping farmers and ranchers succeed. The conversation emphasizes the flexibility and stress tolerance of forage sorghum and the need to su...

The conversation provides a comprehensive understanding of harvest stages and their impact on forage quality and animal feeding. It emphasizes the importance of matching harvest stages with the nutritional needs of different animals, particularly in dairy and beef production. The trade-off between feed quality and tonnage is highlighted as a key consideration in harvest timing. Takeaways Harvest t...

The conversation covers Brad Evans' farming background, transition to sheep farming, challenges in marketing and pricing, pork marketing, grazing cycles, pasture management, farm transformation, fertilizer use, input refusal, biologicals, succession planning, equipment, and temporary fencing. Key takeaways include the impact of multi-species grazing and the role of fertilizers in soil health. The...

The conversation delves into the popularity and benefits of summer annual mixtures, Jaden Hardy's background and entry into forage systems, the role of summer annual mixtures in drought tolerance and forage quality, customizing forage mixtures to meet producer goals and needs, and the components of a summer annual mix and their contributions. The conversation delves into the benefits of diverse mi...

The conversation covers topics related to the Mennonite community, family involvement in agriculture, the evolution of the seed business, and the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry. It also delves into the significance of social media in agriculture and the importance of sustainable farming practices. The conversation covers a range of topics related to agriculture, includin...

Brent Croom, a multi-generational dairy farmer and leading auctioneer, shares insights on family history, farm diversification, and the challenges faced by young farmers. He also discusses the auction business and the emotional aspects of estate sales. The conversation covers a range of topics related to farming, including the challenges faced by farmers, the impact of market conditions on equipme...

The conversation covers the lessons learned from building a drone business, the challenges and optimism in the drone industry, the business of selling goods and services, exploring new drone technology, and the future of drone technology with a focus on American-made drones. The conversation delves into the unsexy side of the drone application business, focusing on research, application, and under...

The conversation covers Casey's journey in agriculture, from childhood farming experiences to the expansion of his seed business and the adoption of drone technology. It also delves into the differences in soil and agriculture practices, the importance of customer relationships, and the impact on customer farms. Takeaways Casey's transition from childhood farming experiences to a successful seed b...

In this episode of Around the Fencepost, Jacob Leach sits down with Craig Cohron to dive deep into modern agriculture, beef cattle nutrition, forage quality, and the real economic pressures facing today’s farmers. Craig shares his journey from dairy production to beef farming and unpacks how his experience with Byron Seeds shaped his understanding of high performance forages. From forage sorghum a...

Inaugural Episode | Around the Fencepost Podcast In this inaugural episode of Around the Fencepost , we sit down with Josh Baker , founder, owner, and CEO of Southeast Agro Seeds , based in Rome, Georgia. Josh shares the real story behind his journey into the forage and seed industry, from growing up in Georgia, to learning advanced forage systems while working with dairy producers in Pennsylvania...