In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with Mike Lessiter, President of Lessiter Media, to discuss the evolution of agricultural journalism, the role of media in shaping the farm equipment industry, and how niche publishing serves as a powerful resource for agribusiness professionals.
Mike shares his journey from sports journalism aspirations to leading a respected ag media company, the importance of preserving industry history, and how Lessiter Media has adapted to the digital transformation. They also dive into trends shaping farm equipment, the impact of tariffs and market shifts, and the value of networking in organizations like FEMA.
If you're interested in agribusiness, farm equipment, or the evolving landscape of media, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways
- ✅ The Evolution of Ag Journalism: How media has changed and why niche reporting matters.
- ✅ The Business of Content: How Lessiter Media balances journalism with running a profitable business.
- ✅ Preserving History: Why telling the stories of ag pioneers is critical for future generations.
- ✅ Market Trends & Tariffs: How global and economic factors are shaping farm equipment sales.
- ✅ The Importance of Networking: How groups like FEMA help businesses stay informed and connected.
Notable Quotes:
- 🗣️ "Our goal is to provide information that can be turned into knowledge that helps farmers and agribusinesses succeed." – Mike Lessiter
- 🗣️ "The farm equipment industry is niche, but mighty." – Joe Sampson
- 🗣️ "The more we understand the past, the better we can navigate the future of agriculture." – Mike Lessiter
Resources & Links:
- Lessiter Media Website: https://www.lessitermedia.com/
- Farm Equipment Magazine: https://www.farm-equipment.com/
- Ag Equipment Intelligence: https://www.agequipmentintelligence.com/
- Follow Mike Lessiter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-lessiter-0447b017
- FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association): https://www.farmequip.org/
