Shows
The Rural DispatchFrom Farm Kid to Full-Time Entrepreneur Building a Custom BusinessSend us a textIn this episode, Aly sits down with Luke Quandt, owner of Quandts Coatings to talk about what it really looks like to bet on yourself. Luke grew up on a farm and started engraving in his spare time out of his house. After years of working on hog barns, he made the leap to go all in on his side hustle, and six years later hasn't looked back. Luke shares how his passion for quality craftsmanship has turned into a way to help other small businesses stand out, whether it's creating c...
2026-01-2130 min
The Rural DispatchUsing What You Know to Grow: How an Iowa Farm Family Built a Diversified Ag BusinessSend us a textIn this episode, Aly and Smoke sit down with Austin and Mady Blair, owners of ABC Beef, to talk about what it really looks like to diversify a family farming operation while raising three young kids. We dig into how they’ve used what they already knew to build multiple income streams, including their direct-to-consumer beef business. They share how the idea started, what it took to get up and running, the struggles they've faced, and where they hope to take things in the future.Austin and Mady also walk us th...
2026-01-1453 min
The Rural Dispatch2025 Wins & Wrecks: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly from Our Year in the Trucking BusinessSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, Smoke and Aly sit down to recap 2025 in the livestock trucking business — the good, the bad, and the ugly. From the moments that made the long days worth it to the wrecks that tested us, this conversation dives into what our year behind the scenes really looked like.We talk about good people vs bad people we came across in the industry and how those relationships shaped our year, along with a breakdown of our best performing truck and the one that caused the mo...
2026-01-0735 min
The Rural DispatchVeal Calves, Market Pivots & Amish Barns — Lessons for Livestock ProducersSend us a textThis week Smoke and Aly sit down with Adam Prokash, a first-generation livestock producer whose path into agriculture looks nothing like the traditional one. Adam walks us through how he bought his first farm and learned to raise veal calves without the benefit of growing up in the industry, and how those early years shaped every decision that came after.His story spans multiple chapters: the rise and fall of the veal market, the stretch of years when feeder pigs kept his operation alive, the return to Holstein calves, and the...
2025-12-031h 34
The Rural DispatchTrucking Safety Systems that Actually Work: How Small Fleets Can Improve the Bottom LineSend us a textIn this episode, Aly sits down with Natallia Opalko, founder of Trucking Safety and author of Safety is the New Profit, to break down the systems and simple fixes that help small fleets improve safety, efficiency, and profitability. Natallia shares the most common compliance and safety hurdles she sees, the tools that make compliance less overwhelming, and how better processes can directly strengthen your bottom line. Whether you run one truck or one hundred, this conversation offers practical steps you can put to work right away. Use code RURAL15 to s...
2025-11-2650 min
The Rural DispatchWinter Truck Prep, Debt Strategy, & Measured RiskSend us a textThis week Aly and Smoke dive into a lesson on why winter preparation is important, a conversation about debt strategy and our mindset when financing equipment and managing growth without getting stretched too thin. We also chat about taking calculated risks in business and cattle feeding. Tune in for practical, honest insights for keeping a rural operation moving forward. Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up.➤ Download the Beef Hub A...
2025-11-1932 min
The Rural DispatchInside the Trucking & Cattle Industries: Real Numbers, Real FrustrationsSend us a textHosts Aly and Smoke catch up on Smoke's time back behind the wheel - navigating sale barns, a few frustrations about how trucking has changed, and taking kids along for the ride. They also dig into the business side, from climbing insurance premiums and warranty headaches, to Trump's recent comments on beef prices and what they've really meant for beef producers. Back home, a leaky basement adds to the chaos. It's been one of those weeks at the Behrens homestead. If you need to feel better about the current state of your home...
2025-11-1241 min
The Rural DispatchSlow Busy Season in Trucking + a "Break" from Buying CattleSend us a textThis week on The Rural Dispatch, Smoke and Aly talk trucking, cattle, and life. We dig into what a “slow busy season” looks like in livestock trucking, how the cattle market is shaping both hauling and beef availability, and why trucking’s connection to so many industries is both a challenge and a blessing (hello, reefer division revival!). If you’re curious about cattle markets, livestock hauling, or just enjoy a good trucking story, this one’s for you.Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers...
2025-09-2428 min
The Rural DispatchConservation, Cattle, and Confidence with Ashley BrincksSend us a textOn this episode, Aly is joined by Ashley Brincks, ag professional and leader specializing in cattle and conservation. In this episode, Ashley shares how her journey through both personal loss and professional opportunities has shaped her into the industry advocate she is today.She reflects on the ways resilience and hard work have guided her path, and we talk about the intersection of conservation and cattle production, the importance of producer’s voices in the industry, and what the next generation of ag leaders can bring to the table.Wh...
2025-09-1749 min
The Rural DispatchAre Handshake Deals in Agriculture Over?Send us a textThis week Smoke and Aly are diving into a mix of trucking life, ag seasonality, and some good old-fashioned storytelling. We chat about whether the days of handshake deals are behind us, swap stories from Smoke’s time in the truck (including 5 Hour Energy, CB radios, CDs, and stacks of DVDs), and share some ideas for Truck Driver Appreciation Week.We also break down why fall is the busiest season for ranchers, farmers, and truckers, plus give a little update on wedding planning. Thanks for tuning in and engaging wit...
2025-09-1047 min
The Rural DispatchGot Milk? Heiman Farm Brings Raw Milk to IowaSend us a textThis week on The Rural Dispatch, Bryan and Rochelle Heiman join Aly and Smoke to share how they came to be Heiman Farm: A Raw Milk Diary in Iowa. With five kids under eight, four (going on six) milk cows, plus pigs, chickens, and turkeys, the Heiman family is living the full farm life while serving their community with fresh raw milk through weekly drop-offs throughout west central Iowa. We talk about how Heiman Farm got its start, how it’s grown, and what’s next for this hardworking family.Find them...
2025-08-2758 min
The Rural DispatchCows, Chaos, and Rural Summer StoriesSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, it’s just Aly + Smoke catching up on life, work, and everything in between. We kick things off the way most summer conversations in the Midwest do, talking about the weather. From there, we shift gears into family life with a recap of our annual trip to Branson, a streak of Behrens bad luck, and business lately. It’s a mix of cows, chaos, and family updates... just a slice of what rural life looks like for us this summer.Beef Hub App –...
2025-08-2023 min
Waukee PodcastStay Cool, Stay Connected: Waukee's Mid-Summer Survival Guide https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes/f/stay-cool-stay-connected-waukee%E2%80%99s-mid-summer-survival-guideThis week on the Waukee Podcast, we're diving into summer survival mode! Leisa welcomes three amazing women who help us beat the heat, stay centered, and keep our gardens green. First up, Jamie Thompson, our go-to #WaukeeRealtorMom, shares a fun lineup of ways to stay cool and entertained during this stretch of scorching Iowa temps. From splash pads to sweet treats, Jamie has all the insider tips for family-friendly fun. Next, Aly Davis joins us to talk about self-care—not just what it is, but why it matters. She...
2025-07-2442 min
The Rural DispatchReno Rundown: Western Video Market Insights & Real-Time Rancher UpdatesSend us a textNEW: LEAVE US A MESSAGEFresh off Day 1 of the Western Video Market’s biggest sale of the year, Rick Machado joins us for a boots-on-the-ground conversation in Reno. As an auctioneer, cattleman, and part owner of WVM, Rick shares how the video sale works, what makes it unique, and other industry insights. Plus, we’re joined by a couple of drop-in guests, the Nuttall boys of Susanville, CA and Glenn Benjamin of Simla, CO, to talk about how day 1 of the sale went for them. This episo...
2025-07-2327 min
The Rural DispatchCattle Markets, Cheap Corn and Life LatelySend us a textCatch up with us on the road this week. From behind the scenes of podcasting to the current cattle market and life lately, this episode is short and sweet and packed with a little bit of everything from our corner of the world. Need livestock hauled? Give us a call: 712-790-3359Suggestions for a podcast guest? Email Aly: behrensandco@gmail.comMentions:Western Video MarketCattle Drive Video MarketBeef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to...
2025-07-1628 min
The Rural DispatchFrom the Ground Up: How Justin Heiman Built a Thriving Cattle Operation from ScratchSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, Aly sits down with farmer and cattle feeder Justin Heiman, a Carroll County native who built his own farming operation from the ground up. Justin shares how he got started with nothing but work ethic, a love for agriculture, and mentors who were willing to show him the ropes.We talk about the highs and lows of getting into farming on your own, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why serving on the Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association board matters to him...
2025-06-1843 min
The Rural DispatchFrom Hauling Livestock to Car Lots: Howard Curry on Trucking, Business, and the Power of Good PeopleSend us a textSit down with us as we talk with Howard Curry, owner of Howard Curry Transport Inc, a brokerage business with deep roots in hauling livestock. Howard takes us all the way back to 1953, when his dad first got into hauling livestock. Born into the business in 1962, Howard's been a part of the livestock world ever since. At 16 years old, he quit school, moved out and went to work on his own -- building a life through trucking, livestock, dispatching, selling cars, and investing in real estate in Liberty, Indiana. Tu...
2025-05-211h 02
The Rural DispatchWill Epperly: From Rural Roots to World Champion AuctioneerSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, we sit down with Will Epperly, 2022 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion and co-owner of Dunlap Livestock Auction, to talk cattle, markets, and mentorship. From growing up in his family's sale barn in Virginia to becoming one of the top voices in the industry, Will shares the path that led him to earn the world champion title and co-own one of Iowa’s most respected livestock markets. We dive into what it really takes to become a world-class auctioneer, how he sees the cattle market evolving, and...
2025-04-1656 min
The Rural DispatchTrucking Talk: Peterbilt vs. Kenworth, Wilson vs. Eby & the Current Cattle MarketSend us a textThis week on The Rural Dispatch, we’re talking all things trucks, trailers, and the cattle industry with Smoke. From EPA regulations to the closure of the American Foods plant in Yankton, SD, there’s a lot shaking up the trucking & livestock worlds right now. Plus, we’re breaking down which brand is really best when it comes to trucks and livestock trailers. And, if you’re frustrated with the cattle market, you’re not alone. We wrap up with an honest conversation about market challenges.Listen now and don’t forget to su...
2025-03-1926 min
The Rural DispatchCattle Feeding Realities: Cash Flows, Hedging & Passion with Jeff "Bug" SchroederSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, I sit down with Smoke and Jeff "Bug" Schroeder, a cattle feeder from western Iowa, to talk about his journey in the industry. We cover everything from feeding in dirt lots and barns to the realities of hedging cattle and what skills every good cattle feeder should have in their back pocket. Tune in for an honest look at the cattle business, the highs and lows, and what it really takes to make it work. Resources & Links:Cattle Ma...
2025-03-0537 min
The Rural DispatchStories with Smoke: The Road to ResilienceSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch: Delivering Stories from Rural America, I sit down with my better half, Smoke, to talk about the journey that shaped him and our family’s trucking business. We start with the story behind his name and his deep-rooted ties to trucking and agriculture.From its beginnings to where we are today, we break down the evolution of our trucking company, the challenges facing the industry right now, and what it takes to keep things moving—literally. Smoke shares insights into dispatching, customer relationships, and the...
2025-03-0526 min
The Rural DispatchFrom Corporate Hustle to Rural Roots: My Journey into Rural Business LifeSend us a textWelcome to the very first episode of The Rural Dispatch! I’m kicking things off with a solo episode to introduce myself, share my background, and explain how I ended up here—running a livestock trucking business, raising two little boys, and launching this podcast.In this episode, I talk about:How I went from a career in finance to managing the backend of our family businessThe challenges and rewards of working in a family businessWhy I started this podcast to connect rural business owners and ag industry professionalsWhat you can...
2025-03-0520 min
The Rural DispatchWelcome to The Rural DispatchSend us a textWelcome to The Rural Dispatch, the podcast that delivers honest conversations from the fields, the highways, and the home front.I'm your host, Aly Behrens - headquartered in rural Iowa, I help run a trucking company that specializes in hauling livestock nationwide. I was born and raised in small-town-Iowa and I’m passionate about rural communities and the people who help them thrive. Since becoming a mom, I’ve taken a step away from my own career in finance and into a behind the scenes role in our second-generation famil...
2025-02-0602 min
Waukee PodcastFrom Date Nights to Doing Good: Waukee's February HighlightsLove is in the air in this special Valentine's edition of The Waukee Podcast! Whether you're planning a romantic date night or looking for family-friendly fun, Jamie Thompson from What's Up Waukee has all the best local events to make your Valentine's celebration unforgettable. Plus, Aly Davis of Fit & Fierce 515 introduces her new social media segment, Serenity Sunday, a weekly dose of self-care inspiration to help you reset, recharge, and take on the week ahead with balance and positivity. We also hear from Kristin Wiedenfeld as she shares the heartfelt story behind Gary's Ride, an annual event...
2025-02-0638 min
Waukee PodcastAquatic Center on the Ballot, County Growth, and the Healing Power of SoundThis episode features Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke and Communications Director Heather Behrens discussing two vital ballot issues: the Aquatic Center referendum and the proposed expansion of the Dallas County Board of Supervisors. They break down project details, market demand, and the growing population's need for updated amenities and representation. Later in the episode, Jamie Thompson from What's Up Waukee shares spooky weekend happenings, while Aly Davis talks with Danni Kastner from OPE about holistic wellness practices like sound therapy and Reiki. Click here for the show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes
2024-10-2539 min
Growing Pains | Where Business Owners Come to Plan Maternity LeaveGrowing a Business and Raising Kids with Laura BerensJoin me as I talk with Laura Berens, the founder of Love & Fit. Laura turned her postpartum needs into a pioneering activewear line featuring moisture-wicking, nursing-friendly sports bras, and stay-put leggings. Hear how she evolved from managing her e-commerce business solo to leading a team and coaching other entrepreneurs to success.Laura Berens launched Love & Fit in 2017 to provide functional and stylish activewear for postpartum women. She also hosts the "Time To Be You" podcast, offering insights on motherhood, entrepreneurship, and wellness. As a product business coach, Laura helps entrepreneurs navigate product development and scaling. Balancing her...
2024-07-0339 min