The Truth About Ag

Ben Voss has lived many lives in one: engineer, CEO, global ag-tech leader, and farmer. In this episode, he shares how his career has taken him around the world—everything from orange juice farms in Brazil to dairy operations in Europe—only to circle back to his roots in Saskatchewan. Now splitting his time between leading sales at Raven Industries and working on his family farm, Ben brings a rare...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, we’re joined by Todd Andries, newly minted Chief Operating Officer of Maverick Ag and a long-time leader in ag finance. With more than 25 years in the financial industry and roots in his family’s 2,600-acre farm, Todd brings a blend of boardroom insight and boots-on-the-ground understanding. We talk about what’s really happening in the farm equipment market,...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan are joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and widely known as The Food Professor. They discuss the complex dynamics shaping Canadian agriculture—from the persistent misunderstandings about farmers and food production, to the political realities of how ag policy actually gets...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag , Evan and Kristjan sit down with Dustin Duncan, former Saskatchewan MLA and cabinet minister, to talk about what it’s really like behind the scenes of provincial politics. Elected at just 26 and serving under both Brad Wall and Scott Moe, Dustin reflects on nearly two decades in public service, shares his thoughts on the current government, and talks candidly...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Evan Shout sits down with Tyler McCann, Managing Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), for a candid conversation about the state of ag policy in Canada. They start with the role CAPI plays in shaping agri-food dialogue, including the value of its regular newsletter, before diving into the aftermath of Canada’s recent federal election. Th...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Evan and Kristjan sit down with their first repeat guest, Dean Klippenstine, CPA, CA — a Partner and Business Advisor with MNP’s Agriculture team —  for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the financial realities shaping Canadian agriculture today. They explore how national economic trends are influencing farm-level decisions, what the Canadian elect...

What are 417 farmers—each with operations generating over $1 million in revenue—thinking as they head into the 2025 crop year? In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert sit down with Kent Fraser, VP at Stratus Ag Research, to unpack the results of a collaborative survey between the Hebert Group and Stratus. This episode is all about turning data into insight. Evan, Kris...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag , Evan Shout sits down with Shaun Haney, founder of Real Agriculture, to talk about the journey that took him from small-town Alberta to becoming one of the most trusted voices in Canadian ag media. Shaun opens up about his early days growing up in Picture Butte, how being more comfortable in the office than in the cab shaped his path, and why he believes talk...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan sit down with Lisa Ashton, Agriculture Policy Lead on RBC’s Climate Action Institute Team, to dive into the big questions shaping Canadian agriculture. Lisa shares insights from RBC’s latest reports, including the Food First Report, breaking down why RBC is investing in this research and how they’re gathering ideas to drive success for Canad...

In this engaging episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan explore agricultural investment with Ben Gordon, CEO and co-founder of Fractal Agriculture. Ben brings his expertise to a wide-ranging discussion on topics crucial for success in both Canadian and US farming sectors. We tackle risk management strategies, the optimal timing for investments, and the complexities surrounding agricultur...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan sit down with J.P. Gervais, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Impact, and Chief Economist at FCC (Farm Credit Canada), to break down the economic forces shaping the future of agriculture.   As someone who spends his days analyzing trade, policy, and market trends, J.P. brings a wealth of knowledge on how farmers and ag businesses can adap...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan chat with Leah Olson, Vice President of Customer Experience and Operations at Brilliant Harvest Inc. With a background in agriculture and manufacturing, Leah has led companies through major transitions, turnarounds, and sustainable growth. They discuss how ag innovation has evolved from past generations to today, the role of AI in tackling i...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan dig into the conversations shaping agriculture's future. They explore the unique value of learning from people outside your immediate industry, as highlighted by programs like TEPAP. The discussion shifts to the importance of preparation and strategy in an industry full of volatility. From investing during good times to planning for what cou...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout welcome Kip Tom, an Indiana-based agricultural leader whose career spans decades of hands-on experience, consulting, and innovation. From starting his journey straight out of high school on the family farm to being considered for roles within the U.S. government, Kip brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Togethe...

In episode 19 of The Truth About Ag, Jeff Warkentin, COO of HGV, joins us to talk about what it takes to lead and grow a successful team. We cover everything from the realities of stepping into a family business and why asking tough questions matters, to the importance of separating personal life from business to avoid unnecessary tension. We also dig into Jeff’s day-to-day as COO, what the role r...

In Episode 18 of The Truth About Ag Podcast , Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout chat with Jordan Kambeitz of Kambeitz Farms, a family operation that’s been growing since 1899. They dive into how building a strong team culture is essential for success and why traceability is becoming non-negotiable in agriculture.  From sharing the farm’s story directly with customers to making smart equipment decisio...

In this episode of The Truth About Ag podcast, co-hosts Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout sit down with Dean Klippenstine, Partner and Business Advisor with MNP’s Agriculture team. Dean shares insights from his extensive career in agriculture and business, touching on risk management, succession planning, and how collaboration between advisors and producers can unlock growth opportunities. The discus...

In episode 16 of The Truth About Ag podcast, co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert sit down with Craig Lothian of Lex Capital Corp. A former lawyer, Craig is a serial entrepreneur having founded and sold a number of successful private oil and land companies. In this episode, they dive into the similarities and differences between running businesses in Ag and Energy, lessons learned from raising...

In Episode 15 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout dive into the complex world of land management and expansion with Darrel Monette of Monette Farms. Known for its impressive—and sometimes controversial—growth over the past 15 years, Monette Farms has become a force across multiple regions. Darrel shares hard-won insights into the essential role of real estate in long-term...

Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert discuss this year’s challenging harvest, from managing unpredictable weather to empowering the team through cross-training and delegation. They talk about the role of guilt in farm decision-making, how to step back and let your team shine, and whether the “post-harvest hangover” is real. They also share the top three things that went right on the farm, insights into...

In Episode 13 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, host Evan Shout welcomes Clint Fischer, a South Dakota attorney specializing in farm family transitions and succession. They explore the intricate challenges faced by farm families during ownership transitions and discuss strategies that can help. Clint is also founder of Braintrust Ag, an online farm peer group and resource center. Clint shares how suc...

Episode 12 of The Truth About Ag Podcast features John Stackhouse, a senior VP at the Royal Bank of Canada and former editor-in-chief at the Globe and Mail. John is also a member of the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-Food’s operating committee; and dives into their origins. He outlines CANZA's commitment to enabling Canada to increase production while reducing emissions, emphasizing their uni...

In Episode 11 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert sit down with Steven McBee of McBee Farm and Cattle Co. Steven, a U.S. rancher with a diverse portfolio of companies and a stint in reality TV, shares his insights on diversification, the ups and downs of fame, and how the McBee family manages their expanding operations. Tune in for an engaging conversation about...

Join co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert in Episode 10 of The Truth About Ag Podcast as they explore top-of-mind topics in the ag industry. They discuss the potential effects of the upcoming Canadian Rail strike and delve into the start of harvest and team management. They also reflect on CANZA’s recent visit to their farm, highlighting that industry giants like McCain, Maple Leaf, and Loblaws...

In Episode 9 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Evan Shout sits down with Jordan and Jen Lindgren of Norquay, Saskatchewan. Running a 13,000-acre grain farm with a pedigreed seed operation and retail chemical sales, the Lindgrens share their journey of diversification. They emphasize the importance of transparency, maintaining core family values, and fostering a community environment during their expa...