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.

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.

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 country trip.

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’ll find his version of getting weird in farming isn’t  that unusual and may just fit all of us. 

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?

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? 

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?

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. 

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. 

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 but provide a roadmap for other agricultural startup businesses.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The timing and speed that we put crops in the ground has changed over the years. How is this impacting weed and pest control and what changes should we consider? Jeff Moon gives us an overview of what he see in farm feilds and strategies to consider to get the most for our money when it comes to crop protection. 

We’ve heard much about the big bill signed on July 4th and its impact on a number of areas of our lives. What will be the outcome for farming and the ag industry. Paul Neiffer talks with us about the favorable and unfavorable aspects of the legislation and any tips on adjusting how we operate our businesses in order to best take advantage of the new law.

Make a list of progressive farming practices and there will be plenty of people that will tell you why it won’t work where they live. In some cases, they may be correct, but Tom Cotter’s farm proves many of those notions wrong. He grows multiple crops using several different farming methods, becoming a place that many come to learn how they can accomplish the same thing where they farm. 

With tight crop margins and machinery manufacturers scaling back production does that mean farmers have leverage when trading or purchasing tractors, combines and machinery? Greg Peterson says the current farm equipment economy is much different that the previous downturn about a decade ago. What does that mean for buying and selling equipment now?

John Seabrook has quite a story to share. His story just happens to be his family’s story and what a tale it is. His grandfather was called the Henry Ford of Agriculture. His father rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite and their family made an impact in the industry of agriculture and beyond. Here’s the story of the building and downfall of one of the largest farms in the U.S.

U.S. and Canadian farmers share many similarities, however agricultural trade may seem to pit the two against one another right now. Our guest is Shaun Haney and he provides a Canadian view of trade talks and agricultural priorities for his home country. What do U.S. farmers need to better understand about their neighbors to the north and vice versa?

Exports are a very important part of U.S. agriculture. This nation has done a good job of growing exports over the past few decades, but are today’s buyers the buyers of the future? How are populations changing and what does that mean for U.S. farmers and the mix of crops that are grown? We have an interesting look at how the world is changing, perhaps a lot quicker than most thought it would and what that means for all of us.

Farming is often a capital-intensive venture. Tanner Sherman is a first-generation farmer on land where his input costs may be $35,000 per acre. So how do you get started AND make a living? I’ll take you to central California where managing 125 acres is a high intensity job that can create enough cash flow for one family. 

Many farmers have been offered contracts to devote some of their acres to solar, wind and other energy developments over the past few years. Are those projects on the decline with a new administration or are they stronger than ever? We take a look at the current market place and potential opportunities and dangers for those considering selling or leasing land for these projects. 

Chugwater, Wyoming is a town of under 200 residents in the southeastern part of the Cowboy state. I recent had a chance to meet their mayor, a relatively young newcomer from Pennsylvania. What he’s learned and what he’s shared with the community holds lessons for all of us on building better farms, ranches, small towns and communities that thrive.

David Hula consistently raises some of the highest corn yields in the nation. His farm near Chesapeake Bay has challenges many other farmers don’t face, yet those extra hurdles have helped him learn better ways to increase bushels and profits and make him a source of advice to many other row crop farmers. We visit with him about some key areas we should evaluate to increase our chances of success every year. 

Kim Ratcliff had some roots in ranch life, but she was working in New York City. When life events changed, she found herself helping to manage the family ranch and building a direct-to-consumer model that has been very successful. Her work offers insights into ways many of us can add value to the crops we grow and the livestock we raise.

A lot of row crop farms have negative balance sheets for this year. How are lenders reacting to farm numbers that are often in the red? What are top farms doing that we can all learn from to stay well in the black? What is the route to profitability in challenging times?

Roy Pfaltzgraff and Emily Kamala farm in northeastern Colorado. Their goal is to be “market makers” by growing crops for a premium that have specific end-users in mind. It’s a route that has its challenges and opportunities but a path that has them talking with many other farmers about how they can capture extra profit by doing some of the same types of things. 

Dalton Dilldine was recognized as Top Producer’s Next Generation award winner. His farm in the Delta region of northeast Arkansas provides opportunities to grow several crops. We discussed how he stepped into a leadership role right out of high school and how he balanced education, farming and a progressive mindset to grow his operation into the award-winning business it is today. 

The impact of tariffs provides uncertainty, but are the fundamentals in the cattle markets still stacked up to keep the market moving in an upward direction? Will supplies remain low and demand steady for beef? We discuss where we stand and the drivers for were we’ll go in the cattle markets and more.

We’re all looking for ways to cut costs, boost yields and earn more per acre. One young farmer in Iowa is using a combination of conservation practices, cattle and hogs to cut his input costs and raise yields. We talk about the changes he’s made and the results he sees.

Crop margins for most operators are tighter than past years.  Is this the time to make a machinery sale or trade?  What equipment sectors are strong or weak?  What is the outlook for new equipment both now and in the future.  And, what are some overlooked opportunities we should explore? 

Regulations that impact the way we farm can be a concern for many. However, this farmer has been living with increased regulations for many years, and he shares what he's learned and how it’s impacted the way he farms. His experiences have him giving his thoughts with many farm groups and we visit with him on this edition of our show. 

If you are involved in farming, there’s a good chance your family owns some land. That land may have a lot of value and passing it from one generation to the next, whether that is inside or outside the family, can have a lot of consequences attached to it. It can be difficult to maintain family harmony and the sellers often want to have a plan in place to not see taxes eat up all the profit. We discuss a 721 plan, a method that many of us may not know. 

Commodity Classic always brings together farmers from all parts of the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities for grain producers. What are some of the hot topics and possible solutions to hurdles ahead? We visit with two farmers who share their insights on what is ahead for U.S. agriculture

We hear plenty of talk about trade and tariffs, but what will the impact be on farmers and the ag industry? We visit with a former member of the office of the US trade representative who served under several presidents. He shares what has and hasn’t changed and what we can expect for agricultural trade in the coming months.

We can often learn a lot from listening to how other farmers go through their decision-making process. We visit with Michigan farmer Ryan Zelinko to see how he is managing tillage, fertilizer and more as he works to get the best ROI on every acre. He shares some of his thoughts on managing tighter margins and his focus on quality versus quantity. 

Most of us are looking for ways to increase income and decrease costs. However, some of our cost cutting measures can wind up hurting us far more than if we had spent the money. Where is the place to save and not save money on this year’s crop? Ken Ferrie is my guest and he shares insights from his hundreds of interactions with farmers and what works, and doesn’t work, to accomplish out goals. 

Crop margins are tight, but corn and bean prices have moved slightly higher since last fall. Should you be selling your grain or storing it? The cattle market continues to roar higher. How far can it go or are we do for a correction? Chip Flory provides his analysis of the markets and national and global trends that may impact the road ahead.