The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Can a small farm thrive in today's competitive agricultural economy? Steve Strasheim of Twisted River Farm is proving it can. Starting with just a quarter acre in Montana, Steve has built a diversified, profitable farming operation on 5 acres—focused on direct-to-consumer produce sales. In this episode, he joins Damian Mason to discuss how he built a sustainable farm business without debt, using s...

What lies ahead for American agriculture? In this forward-looking episode, Damian Mason is joined by nine agribusiness professionals from The Business of Ag Success Group to share 10 bold predictions for the industry through 2026 and beyond. Topics include: The future of government subsidies Automation and robotics in specialty crops The next big opportunity for ethanol Consolidation in ag machine...

From a backyard hobby to a vertically integrated quail operation, Manchester Farms now produces 80,000 Pharaoh quail per week and distributes processed birds and quail eggs nationwide. Brittney Miller, whose family started the business over 50 years ago, shares the company's evolution, production scale, and insights into specialty poultry markets. Damian Mason explores the operational efficiencies...

Food allergies and intolerances now affect over 80 million Americans—with millions more choosing food avoidance based on lifestyle or dietary trends. What does this surge in selective eating mean for agriculture, food production, and consumer behavior? Dylan McDonnell, CEO of Foodini, joins Damian Mason to explore how ingredient awareness, medical diagnoses, and even lawsuits are reshaping what pe...

Despite the popular narrative, American agriculture is not feeding the world—nor, increasingly, itself. With 40% of U.S. corn diverted to ethanol production and a persistent $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, systemic inefficiencies are being exposed. Damian Mason is joined by Joe Maxwell of Farm Action to examine the disconnect between production agriculture and food supply, the impact of po...

Beef industry dynamics are under scrutiny: Cattle prices are dropping, imports are rising, and major packers like Tyson are scaling back operations. Is market consolidation hurting U.S. producers? Damian Mason speaks with Hyrum Egbert to analyze current trends, including packer power, price pressure, plant closures, and the role of imports. This is a must-listen for livestock producers, ag economi...

Livestock manure remains one of the most undervalued tools in American agriculture. Despite its rich nutrient profile, soil health benefits, and potential to reduce fertilizer costs, manure is used on less than 10% of U.S. cropland. Meanwhile, synthetic fertilizer prices continue to climb. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Iowa farmer Kellie Blair and University of Minnesota manure special...

Sorghum is a drought-tolerant, high-protein, non-GMO grain with impressive versatility—from livestock feed to human consumption and even liquor production. Yet, despite these strengths, U.S. sorghum acres are shrinking, and prices remain below production costs. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Adam York, CEO of Kansas Sorghum Producers, to explore why sorghum remains undervalued in global...

Global grain markets are oversupplied, trade routes are shifting, and U.S. Agriculture faces increasing challenges from geopolitical tensions and aggressive global competitors. Joe Vaclavik—market analyst and host of Grain Markets and Other Stuff—joins Damian Mason to examine the pressures facing America's export-driven Ag model. They discuss commodity prices, global trade disruption, and the real...

Agricultural producers excel at production but often struggle with promotion—especially in direct-to-consumer (DTC) markets. In this episode, business growth strategist Brian Frankel joins Damian Mason to break down the five essential steps in a consumer's buying decision. They explore motivational factors, perceived value, customer expectations, and the mindset shift required to sell effectively...

Can seafood by-products help feed the future of agriculture? Damian Mason speaks with Norm Davy, President of Tidal Grow, about SeaPhos—a liquid fertility product made from up-cycled seafood waste. In 2025, Damian trialed the product on his Indiana farm and shares firsthand insights. This episode explores sustainable ag inputs, nutrient cycling, crop protection innovations, and the business hurdle...

Despite making up 97% of U.S. farms, family operations often struggle with internal dysfunction. Andy "Caygeon" Junkin of Stubborn.farm joins Damian Mason to explain why many family farms face challenges such as poor communication, generational conflict, and lack of clear business structure. They explore the gap between public admiration and private mismanagement—and how these issues can be solved...

Agricultural input costs have surged by over 40% in recent years, squeezing farm profit margins. Damian Mason is joined by Steve Nicholson, Global Strategist at Rabobank, to examine the complex drivers behind high fertilizer, chemical, fuel, and equipment costs. Together, they explore global supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and the structural changes reshaping...

A surge of new crop input products has entered the market, but do they deliver measurable value to farmers? In this episode, Damian Mason talks with Randy Barker, CEO of INTENT, about what it truly takes for a crop input product to succeed. From navigating R&D and regulatory hurdles to understanding grower adoption and ROI, this conversation covers the full commercialization journey in today's com...

Beef prices are at record highs—and they may stay elevated well into the next decade. In this episode, Damian Mason outlines 10 compelling reasons to remain bullish on beef despite the traditional cattle cycle. From the collapse of fake meat alternatives to the rise of the MAHA (Meat At Home Again) movement, from shifting consumer economics to evolving land use, this episode explores why U.S. beef...

Agrihoods—residential communities built around working farms—are on the rise across the U.S., blending suburban convenience with rural aesthetics. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Steve Bruere, president of The Peoples Company and developer of Middlebrook, Iowa's first agrihood. They explore whether agrihoods are just a trendy real estate gimmick or a viable model for sustainable communit...

U.S. farms have relied on fertilizer over-application for decades—but that era is ending. Regulatory pressures are mounting in key agricultural states like Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, where political and public concerns over nutrient runoff are prompting new rules for nutrient management plans. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Nick Musser of Moss Fertilizer Service and Pat Larson of Ne...

In 2024, Canada ranked as the United States' second-largest agricultural export market, just behind Mexico. Despite widespread attention on China, its importance as an ag customer is declining, making North American trade relationships more vital than ever. Damian Mason welcomes Shaun Haney of Real Ag Radio for an in-depth conversation on U.S.-Canada agricultural trade, shifting global markets, an...

In this episode, Missouri dairy producer J.R. Burdick shares his transition from conventional dairy to a direct-to-consumer A2 milk business. Since 2022, he has increased profit margins by selling directly to customers—but the shift comes with added responsibilities in packaging, marketing, and logistics. Damian Mason explores the economic realities, operational challenges, and growth potential of...

What does the next 15 years hold for American production agriculture? In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Shay Foulk of Ag View Solutions and Ben Gordon of Fractal to analyze emerging trends in U.S. farming. Topics include consolidation in agriculture, the evolving role of government subsidies, financial pressures facing producers, and the viability of small-scale, niche farms in a shifting...

Brazil has emerged as a dominant force in global agriculture, especially in soybean production. Over the past decade, the country has expanded its soybean acreage by 42%, resulting in a 57% increase in production—mainly to meet China's growing demand. This explosive growth has contributed to an oversupply of global commodities, creating new pressures and questions for agricultural markets. In this...

"Creating demand" is often cited as the solution to low commodity prices—but where will that demand come from? In this episode, I examine the hard truths behind global agricultural markets. He explores the limits of trade agreements, the decline of biofuel-driven demand, and why Africa and the EU are unlikely to become major buyers of U.S. commodities. With Brazil expanding production and global c...

Despite alarming headlines, fewer than one in a thousand U.S. farms are in bankruptcy. Damian Mason speaks with Curt Covington of Ag America Lending to examine the facts behind agricultural bankruptcies, the economic pressures farmers face, and the outlook for farm finances. Learn why high input costs and interest rates are real concerns, while other supposed causes are overstated. This episode pr...

Government intervention is reshaping agriculture—and not for the better. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with economist and author Dr. Richard Sexton, whose book Food Fight challenges misguided food policies and their consequences for farmers, consumers, and global supply chains. Topics include proposals for government-run grocery stores, the inefficiencies promoted by U.S. farm subsidies, th...

The agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly—and so must you. In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason is joined by Mark Jewell of The Momentum Company to explore the ten essential habits that will determine your relevance and success in tomorrow's agriculture. With emerging technologies and automation reshaping the sector, one-third of today's ag jobs may vanish in just five...