Farm Broadcaster, Lorrie Boyer

Jim Krause, owner of Marketing Beef, teaches new and inexperienced farmers how to market their beef effectively. He emphasizes the importance of quality in every aspect of the operation, from pasture management to customer engagement. Jim prefers local marketing over internet sales, believing in long-term, sustainable relationships rather than price-based transactions.

ACME Ag Consulting is a six-person network of independent agricultural consultants based in St. Louis. The group, with diverse backgrounds in farming, government, and major agribusinesses, offers a collaborative approach to ag consulting, combining their specializations in government relations, trade policy, product launches, and communication strategies. They emphasize their ability to provide quick, nimble solutions for startups, leveraging their international network to support clients in various regions. Acme Ag Consulting focuses on row crops and ag technology, but can also assist with livestock and other ag sectors through their extensive contacts.

Nick Colglazier, Executive Director of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed the impact of high fertilizer costs on farmers, noting a 100% increase since 2020. He highlighted an FTC investigation into fertilizer price manipulation, emphasizing the lack of competition due to consolidation in the U.S. market. Glaser also mentioned efforts to promote E15 fuel, 

Patrick Sanders, Director of Agronomy Enablement at Nutrien, discusses the importance of tissue sampling for in-season nutrition decisions. He explains that soil tests indicate total nutrients available, while tissue samples show actual plant uptake, crucial for optimizing fertilizer applications. Sanders highlights the use of AI and digital tools to enhance agronomic logic and decision-making. He emphasizes key sampling times: early vegetative stages, rapid growth, and just before reproductive stages. He also mentions new sensing technology for higher-resolution sampling and the importance of corrective actions based on tissue test results to maximize yield and ROI.

UnCommon Farms, led by Matt Ronken, provides business advisory services to farms across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on strategic planning, succession planning, leadership development, and risk management. The company, headquartered near St. Louis, serves clients from Washington to Florida and into Canada. UnCommon Energy, led by Jack Scatizzi, focuses on helping farmers manage energy usage and understand the value of their land for energy projects like data centers and battery storage. They offer customized renewable energy solutions to reduce peak demand charges and consult on land use for energy projects, aiming to improve farm margins and support...

Jake Erker, a farmer from the Keensburg/Roggen, Colorado area, shared how the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) has strengthened his leadership skills and broadened his understanding of agriculture across the state. He highlighted the program’s value in improving public speaking, networking, and relationship‑building — skills he says are essential for modern producers. Jake emphasized the importance of farmers telling their own stories and staying engaged in their communities.

He also previewed upcoming CALP activities, including a trip to Cortez for farm visits and leadership exercises, and noted the annual Colora...

Cindy Hofmeister, a semi-retired teacher and Executive Director of Colorado Ag in the Classroom, discusses her participation in the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP). She highlights the program's professional development opportunities, networking benefits, and the value of meeting producers and learning about diverse agricultural practices. Hofmeister emphasizes the importance of hosting seminars, which fosters community relations and deepens her understanding of local agriculture. She encourages potential applicants to apply for CALP Class 18, detailing the application process and the upcoming Ag Forum. Cindy also shares her positive experiences with media training and Toastmasters presentations.

Troy Schneider, a board member of the National Corn Growers Association, discussed the recent progress on E15 year-round sales legislation. After multiple trips to Washington, D.C., and bipartisan efforts, the House passed a standalone bill decoupled from the farm bill, achieving a 218-vote majority. Schneider highlighted the importance of this legislation, which would modify the Clean Air Act to allow E15 sales year-round, benefiting consumers and the corn industry. He emphasized the need for continued support from the Senate and urged farmers and associations to advocate for E15 to ensure its passage.

Nutrien Senior Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard discussed the current and future weather patterns affecting the Corn Belt. He noted a transition to a pattern similar to last winter, with cooler air from Canada and showers from the Great Lakes. Dry conditions persist in the Central Plains, while central Illinois has experienced standing water after a drought. Pritchard highlighted the impact of El Niño, predicting a stormy summer with four corridors of storminess. He also mentioned warmer temperatures in the west and lower heat stress risks in the Corn Belt due to storms. Producers are advised to monitor weather developments c...

Alicia Marrs, Associate Vice President of Western Water at the National Wildlife Federation, discussed the organization's efforts to conserve water resources, particularly in the context of low snowpack in Colorado. She emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions like low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) to mimic natural water processes and improve ecosystem health. Marrs highlighted collaborations with federal and private landowners, including the Bureau of Land Management, to restore degraded lands

Elena Chavez, Southern Colorado territory manager for Halter, discussed their virtual fencing technology. Halter, based in Colorado, uses direct-to-satellite technology to manage large, mountainous ranges. The collars, designed for cattle, use auditory and electric cues for containment, and vibrations for positive reinforcement. The collars, made of durable Gorilla Glass, are intended for lifelong use. Halter's service costs $96 per collar per year and includes 24/7 human support. The technology helps producers manage pastures more efficiently, shorten gathering times, and monitor animal movement and distress.

The Colorado Farmable Program, funded by a 2501 grant held by Goodwill of Colorado, assists underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers in Colorado with agricultural business planning. The "From Field to Funded" course, lasting 8-10 weeks, provides no-cost business planning education, helping participants create lender-ready business plans. The program, which includes one-on-one technical assistance, has had 10 participants in its first cohort and aims for 10 per cohort. Success stories include a veteran flower farmer near Canyon City who is 90% complete with his business plan, aided by ongoing support from the program.

Kim Rounds, Talent Acquisition Manager at Five Rivers Cattle Feed Yard, discusses strategies for entering the agriculture industry. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing all relevant experiences, even if they seem unrelated to agriculture. Most jobs at Five Rivers are feedlot roles, with a smaller percentage in office positions. Rounds advises using online platforms to apply, but also suggests persistence and networking to stand out. 

She notes a significant increase in female applicants and managers, highlighting the need for flexible work policies to retain talent. Rounds also discusses the importance of soft skills and the evolving demographics o...

Tim Sickman, a Nutrien Technical Agronomist with over 40 years of experience, discussed current field conditions in Illinois and Kentucky, noting ideal planting conditions despite some dryness. He highlighted the importance of sulfur in soil fertility, emphasizing its role in chlorophyll production, amino acid development, and nitrogen use efficiency. Sickman explained that the Clean Air Act has reduced atmospheric sulfur, leading to a need for direct sulfur fertilization. He also noted that sulfur is less retained in soils, necessitating annual supplementation. Strickman's work focuses on balancing nitrogen and sulfur for optimal crop growth and yield.

The Ag Queen podcast discusses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Tom Michels of United Airlines and Allison Graab from the Sustainable Aviation Coalition. SAF is made from renewable products like corn, soybeans, and sorghum. The U.S. is a leader in SAF technology, with production rising 157% to 240 million gallons in 2025. Despite this, jet fuel use in 2025 was over 26 billion gallons, projected to reach 31 billion by 2045. SAF doesn't require new infrastructure and can help airlines mitigate fuel price volatility, making it a strategic investment for long-term resilience.

Katie Strand, a fourth-generation farmer and soil conservationist in Washington County, Colorado, discussed her challenges in farming, including high input costs, drought, and succession planning with her brother. She highlighted the importance of the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP) in enhancing her leadership skills, networking, and understanding various aspects of agriculture, such as banking. Katie also mentioned the upcoming CALP seminar in Fort Morgan, which will include tours of agricultural facilities. She emphasized the program's role in improving her confidence and communication skills, essential for her farm's future.

Alex Miller, a cow-calf producer from Brighton, Colorado, shared his journey of overcoming a 2014 car accident that led to the amputation of both his legs. Initially hesitant about the Colorado AgrAbility program, he was encouraged by his caseworker, Candy, to participate. AgrAbility provided him with assistive technology, including a portable cattle handling system and an all-terrain track chair, which significantly improved his ability to work on his farm. These tools boosted his confidence and mental well-being, enabling him to resume daily operations. Alex emphasized the importance of reaching out for help and praised AgrAbility for its transformative impact on...

Shay Foulk, lead consultant at Ag View Solutions, discusses his role in helping farm operations with succession planning, cost of production, and business growth. He uses the Farm Profit Manager tool to optimize cost of production and offer an annual executive business conference and peer group sessions. Faulk emphasizes the importance of clear communication, family and business governance, and accountability in transition planning. He highlights the need for detailed financial planning and the risks of undivided interest in estate plans, which can threaten farm sustainability across generations

Lizzie French, Manager of Soil Biology at Waypoint Analytical, discussed the importance of soil health for crop productivity and farm profitability. She emphasized the role of soil biology in nutrient use efficiency and resilience against stresses. French highlighted Waypoint's new DNA-based soil biology test, which measures microbial biomass and nutrient cyclers, providing detailed recommendations. She noted that soil testing should be done every two to six weeks after product application or alongside regular fertility programs. French also addressed farmers' hesitation towards biologicals, suggesting trial settings to build trust and confidence in their effectiveness.

Ethan AX, a senior manager of training and development at GrowMark, discussed his background in agriculture and leadership development. He talked about how his background led to his involvement in the Illinois Ag Leadership Program, which includes diverse participants and provides broad perspectives on agriculture. Ethan shared insights from recent program activities, such as visits to Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois, and meetings with lawmakers and industry associations in Washington, D.C. He emphasized the importance of leadership, crisis communication, and adapting to industry changes. Ethan also noted the upcoming international trip to Vietnam and Singapore...

Kooper Kitterman, a sophomore and Sentinel from Stark County High School in Illinois, discussed his experiences with the Next Gen program through the National FFA. He participated in a conference focused on power and technical systems, touring facilities like the John Deere Lawn Care plant and BASF chemical plant.

Karla Gage, an associate professor of weed science and plant biology in the School of Agricultural Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences at Southern Illinois University, discusses the use of barley as a weed suppressant. Barley, which produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit weed growth, is a lower-biomass alternative to cereal rye. Gage's research shows that barley suppresses weeds like Palmer Amaranth and waterhemp as effectively as high-biomass cereal rye. Barley also helps conserve soil moisture and can be planted into soybeans without significant nitrogen loss. Despite its benefits, Gage emphasizes the need for pre-emergent herbicides due to deer...

Cheryl B. Mitchell, founder of Farm Legacy Now, discussed succession planning for farms. She emphasized the importance of having legal and financial plans to ensure farm operations continue across generations. Cheryl shared her background as a dairy farm daughter and educator, now focusing on farm legacy protection. She highlighted common challenges, such as family communication issues and emotional barriers, and provided examples of families without plans facing land loss and family discord. Cheryl's role includes facilitating discussions, coordinating with legal and financial professionals, and helping families navigate complex decisions. She also authored a book, "Farm Legacy or Loss," to...

Jake Walker, Director of Marketing for Loveland Products, discussed the importance of adjuvants in crop protection. Adjuvants like Choice Trio and Infuse enhance herbicide effectiveness, extending residual periods by 3-10 days. Infuse, in particular, can add 3-10 days of residual control. Walker emphasized the rigorous testing protocols, including over 300 field trials last year, to ensure product efficacy. He also highlighted the role of adjuvants in managing abiotic stress and maintaining soil health. 

Mark Gebhards, an honorary master farmer, discusses his career in advocating for Illinois agriculture. He highlights his role in creating the Livestock Management Facilities Act and his work with organizations like the Illinois Farm Bureau, American Soybean Association, and Illinois Pork Producers Association. Gebhart emphasizes the importance of building relationships with legislators and state agencies to influence policies affecting agriculture. He also stresses the need for farmers to engage more with the food industry and mentor younger generations. Gebhart's career reflects a lifelong commitment to advocating for sustainable and economically feasible agricultural regulations.

Jessica Brophy, President of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed her experiences at the recent Commodity Classic in San Antonio, which saw record attendance of over 12,000 people. She highlighted the council's participation in National Corn Growers Association meetings, emphasizing the importance of E15 for corn profitability. Key topics included profitability, market exploration, and innovative uses for corn, such as athletic wear. Technological advancements like AI and drones were also noted. Jessica stressed the importance of farmers staying informed about their operations and local challenges, such as water and input costs. The Radical Challenge, a competition for new corn-related ideas...

ADM has partnered with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) to provide $500,000 in support to farmers in six Midwest states, including Illinois, to enhance resilience and succession planning. AFT will offer direct technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning, and small grants through the Brighter Future Fund. The partnership aims to address the demographic challenges facing farmers, with an estimated 300 million acres of farmland set to change hands in the next decade. AFT's expertise in farmland protection and estate planning will be crucial in guiding farmers through these transitions. 

Kevin Brooks, a farm business management and marketing educator at the University of Illinois, discussed the impact of the war in Iran on farm finances

Kevin Brooks, a farm business management and marketing educator at the University of Illinois, discussed the impact of the war in Iran on agriculture and farm finances

Josie Pukrop, a member of the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP), shared her background in agriculture, including her experience on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and her current role as a 4-H Youth Development Educator in Jefferson County, Colorado. She discussed her involvement in the CALP, highlighting the program's benefits, such as forming deep relationships and gaining professional development.

Lizzie French, Manager of Soil Biology at Waypoint Analytical, discussed the importance of soil health for crop productivity and farm profitability. She emphasized the role of soil biology in nutrient use efficiency and resilience against stresses. French highlighted the new DNA-based soil biology test, which measures microbial biomass and nutrient cyclers, providing detailed recommendations for soil health management. She also addressed common soil health challenges, such as low biological activity, and the benefits of minimizing soil disturbance and feeding soil biology. The discussion also covered the role of biological products and the importance of regular soil testing to optimize...

Marcel Klinge, Founder and CEO of Bushel Plus, discussed their mission to optimize harvest efficiency and reduce grain loss. Their flagship product, the Smart Pen system, measures grain loss using a magnetic drop pen and smartphone app. They also acquired Mad Concaves, offering quick-change concaves for various crops. Additionally, they introduced the Mini Combine, a portable thresher for field moisture testing. Bushels Plus also offers educational programs through its Harvest Academy to improve combine setup and efficiency.

Bryan Doherty, vice president, Brokerage Solutions, Total Farm Marketing, gave insigned on the weather on commodity markets, particularly wheat and corn. He shared information on current and near-future trends and marketing dynamics in this interview with Lorrie Boyer. 

Elena Myhre, Director of Marketing and Communications for the International Poultry Welfare Alliance and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, discussed the organizations' efforts in sustainability and welfare. The US Roundtable, founded in 2019, has released two sustainability reports, covering 101 voluntary metrics under three pillars: people, planet, and poultry.

Elena Meyer, Director of Marketing and Communications for the International Poultry Welfare Alliance and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, discussed the organizations' efforts in sustainability and welfare. Part two of this two-part interview. 

Lorrie Boyer interviews Rob Kay, North American Business Development for Flexxiare, about their reversible radiator fans for diesel engines. Rob explains that Flex Air is busy with farmers in Western Canada preparing for spring, retrofitting fans for sprayers and tractors to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. 

Rachel Curry, a statewide agriculture and agribusiness educator with the University of Illinois Extension, discussed the adoption and benefits of cover crops.

Elena Myhre, Director of Marketing and Communications for the International Poultry Welfare Alliance and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, discussed the organizations' efforts in sustainability and welfare. The US Roundtable, founded in 2019, has released two sustainability reports, covering 101 voluntary metrics under three pillars: people, planet, and poultry. Key findings include a 90% reduction in recordable incidence rates from 1994 to 2025 and significant improvements in worker support and water use. The framework aims to provide comprehensive, neutral data to support industry sustainability and potential future consumer engagement

Nathan Weathers from the Colorado Corn Promotion Council and the US Grains Council discussed a recent trip to Panama, highlighting the importance of the Panama Canal for U.S. trade routes.

The canal, which is a freshwater system, faced a drought that delayed shipments, affecting 60 to 100 boats. The trip emphasized the need for U.S. infrastructure updates. Weathers noted the increasing export of diverse products like ethanol and sorghum, with ethanol demand particularly high in the marine industry. A European shipping company is transitioning to E1100 fuel, showcasing global interest in U.S. ethanol. The trip also...

Kelsey Graver, Product Line Manager for corn at Clarkson Grain, discussed the organic grain industry in Illinois. She noted that while organic growth feels stagnant, there's a shift towards non-GMO crops due to premiums.