Farming the Countryside with Andrew McCrea

It’s once again time to take a look at the latest Practical Farm Research (PFR) data. The field trials cover just about anything you’d want to know about growing more corn and soybean bushels, plus there were some new items added to this year’s research. We break down the results and what are some proven ways to consistently grow a bigger crop. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Animal agriculture is sometimes the target of activists who want to radically change or even attempt to ban raising animals for food production. What are the latest targets of these groups and how are measures at the ballot box and in the state house seeking to impact the livelihood of farmers and ranchers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To begin the new year we begin with a fun story that might just inspire you to make your own New Year’s resolution. We meet a father and daughter who accomplished something that it is believed no one else has done. They raced the Cannonball Run coast-to-coast race together. Many of us may only know of the race from the movie in the 1970s. Here’s the story of the race and their cross co...

We often think that success in farming is measured by the number of acres we farm or the number of  livestock we raise. That isn’t necessarily wrong, but Josh Payne helps us look at agriculture from a  different perspective, maximizing the profit per acre and creating a multitude of opportunities along the  way. We call it “get big or get weird” and I think you&rsq...

Cattle producers face many challenges and opportunities. One threat looms just to the south with concerns over a screwworm that is already impacting trade and may impact the health of the herd here. Despite the hurdles, demand remains strong. What are the trends retailers are noticing in that desire for beef? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we come of the end of the calendar year, some of us may be considering financial decisions that will impact our taxes now and in the future. What are some of the key tax provisions passed this year and how should they influence what we do? How should income losses for crop farmers be evaluated for the most tax savings?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been plenty of news in the beef sector in the last couple of months with beef prices making news at the White House and across social media and the news media. So when the president speaks verbally or via social media who has his ear? Who is it that is influencing national and international policy when it comes to beef? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Thanksgiving weekend we remember the sacrifice of so many veterans who have fought for the freedoms we have today. Guy Gruters was a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. He was shot down twice, and the second such incident resulted in him being held as a POW for over five years. He shares the challenges and eventual triumph of the grueling imprisonment.  See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

Amy France farms in western Kansas. As the chair of the National Sorghum Producers Association she is in touch with many farmers across the nation and travels internationally to work on behalf of producers. Sorghum may be an overlooked opportunity on some farms, but with changing demands from domestic consumers and international buyers, there are reasons to consider the crop.  See omnystudio....

Many farm families consider having an off farm job simply for the health insurance. Finding good and affordable coverage can be a challenge. Many rural hospitals find it challenging to keep the doors open. What are the answers for individuals and rural communities when it comes to health care? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are always looking for ways to grow more bushels for no extra cost. What ways could we best do this? We take a look at some basic principles that we should probably review in order to get the best yield possible.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sixty years ago this month the Future Farmers of America merged with a group called the New Farmers of America. The story of both groups and their eventual coming together is an interesting look back at farming and the educational system at the time. It’s important history that should not be forgotten. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is plenty of talk about the impact of tariffs on ag trade. However, will those tariffs stand an upcoming Supreme Court test? What other legal issues are facing agriculture? We take a look at some of important cases and what they may mean for us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government shutdown and a trade war with China capture most of the headlines right now in the grain markets. How are those issues impacting grain prices now and in the long term? What is the outlook for a roaring cattle market? Brian Grete provides his insights on the markets.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crop margins are tight or nonexistent for next year. Is there a strategy for purchasing the inputs you need? What are the factors driving higher costs and could those change over the coming months? We look at tips and tools to evaluate heling all of us make the most of some lean times in crop production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ranching in Australia can be a very isolated experience. Andrew Copping knows what it’s like to work on million-acre ranches, or stations as they’re known, in the land down under. Today he works with many people in the U.S, Australia and beyond through the company he began to help address common issues that farmers and ranchers face. His insights not only address challenges we face now...

Buying, selling, trading and the like are a part of life and a part of business. How do you become a better negotiator and work to help both parties in the process? We take a look at some of the keys from an expert in the field.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year saw heavy disease pressure for many corn and soybean growers. This farmer used very little fungicide, and his yields are some of the best in his area. How does he do it? We’ll discuss that, plus how you can sell high quality grain for a premium via the beef market.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can ranchers shorten the distance from the farm to the consumer and get more of every dollar of beef sold? These cattlemen in Nebraska have opened their own processing plant and are selling beef to America’s largest retailer. Their work may produce ideas all of us could implement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ProFarmer crop tour has concluded, and the results show the potential for a big crop. So just how big might this crop be and what it the potential impact on the markets? Lane Akre provides his analysis of the data and we look at possible marketing opportunities in a market with very thin margins.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve now had a month to let the dust settle from the One Big Bill. What are some of the key parts of the legislation for the ag economy? One provision is something called “ACRE.” That section of the bill along with some other ag centric items are important for people to understand. We discuss those items along with a possible farm bill debate yet this year.  See omnystudio....

Most of us don’t think much about the work we do on the farm being considered an attraction.  It’s just what we do as part of our career.  But some of what we do might be a novel and fun thing for others to experience.  I’ll take you to a farm that still harvests corn and soybeans, but also has a crop of visitors year round to experience all it has to offer. ...

Many of us put up hay as part of our farm and ranch operation. But when is it more economical to simply sell the hay equipment and just buy the hay? Or should you consider feeding little or no hay at all? We take a look at the economics of making and feeding hay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In most locations, the price of new crop corn for fall delivery is below $4 per bushel.  At these prices it can be hard to break even on owned acres, let alone rented ones.  Where are the opportunities to squeeze some extra money out of this year’s crop?  Chip Flory provides insights on what he sees for marketing this year’s corn and soybeans. See omnystudio.com/listener...

Sometimes our lives need a change of pace. There can be a variety of reason to make the change, but we sense it’s time for something new. That was the case for this agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. What he did perhaps even amazes himself, and what he learned along the way holds lessons for each of us too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.