The Business of Agriculture Podcast

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...

China's rise over the past 25 years reshaped global economics—but what lies ahead for agriculture? Ian Lahiffe, agriculture consultant in China, offers a bold, optimistic forecast. He explains how China may remain economically powerful, less reliant on the West, and more self-sufficient in food and energy. But he also warns of an emboldened China, prepared for economic conflict. This episode explo...

Water is the most critical—and increasingly scarce—input in the Business of Agriculture. Yet, it is rarely given true economic value until it becomes limited. In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Val King of the North Coast Water Association to discuss how water access is transforming the future of American farming. They explore the economic, environmental, and regulatory challenges tied to...

Is it time to radically reform American agriculture policy? In this compelling episode, Damian Mason speaks with Agritopia author Dave Savage, who outlines his bold vision for a more resilient and equitable rural economy. Savage critiques major pillars of the current farm system—including crop insurance subsidies, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and tax-deferred land exchanges—arguing that...

In an ever-changing Agricultural marketplace, opportunities arise that didn't exist just a decade or two ago. The internet, along with a more diversified and demanding consumer, provide viable business options. But these ventures need money to flourish and these businesses might not be a fit for traditional bank lending. That's where alternative financing can allow Agricultural business ideas to g...

Face it, the word "sustainable" has been so overused as marketing jargon, it's become meaningless. But what if farmers could accurately measure their sustainability? What if Agriculture could communicate our sustainability to customers with verifiable numbers? Then — the cherry on top — what if we could profit from our sustainability practices by differentiating products by degrees of sustainabili...

What would a ban on Glyphosate mean for American agriculture and food production? Damian Mason speaks with Michelle Klieger of Stratagerm Consulting, who recently completed a comprehensive study on the economic and labor impacts of eliminating Glyphosate—America's most widely used herbicide. Michelle shares the staggering implications for crop yields, labor shortages, and consumer food prices. Thi...

What determines the nutrient value of meat? Dr. Stephan Van Vliet of Utah State University joins Damian Mason and Iowa farmer Kelly Garrett to explore how soil health, animal diet, and agricultural practices influence the nutritional profile of beef. Discover why not all steaks are created equal, whether grass-fed is truly better than grain-fed, and how flavor connects to nutrient density. This ep...

What does the next generation of agricultural professionals need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving industry? In this milestone 400th episode of The Business of Agriculture , Damian Mason is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo from Farm4Profit to share critical insights for young people entering the ag sector. Drawing from decades of experience, these seasoned ag professionals discuss...

With U.S. corn production projected to hit record highs in 2025, demand questions loom. NCGA CEO Neil Caskey joins Damian Mason to explore the outlook for corn exports, ethanol markets, and the push for sustainable aviation fuel. With domestic livestock numbers down, will global trade and green energy be enough to absorb the surplus? Caskey discusses recent market wins in Britain and India, why et...

America's health challenges are increasingly linked to diet, nutrition, and widespread confusion about what truly constitutes healthy food. As consumers face a constant barrage of conflicting information about their groceries, the roles of food producers, processors, and the broader agricultural industry have never been more important. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Natalie Kovarik and...

What happens when tech billionaires attempt to disrupt agriculture without understanding its fundamentals? In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by agtech experts Rhishi Pethe and Walt Duflock to analyze high-profile failures in agricultural innovation—highlighting ventures like Larry Ellison's experimental farm in Hawaii and the struggles of Beyond Meat. Together, they explore the risks of "bil...

The good news: Private equity investors are interested in investing in the Business of Agriculture. The bad news: The money is not flowing into fake meat or controlled environment Ag businesses. What is hot? Premium dairy, pet food, and anything fermented. Why? Because those categories offer private equity investors what they want — higher margins, growth, pricing power, differentiation, and added...