Shows
View From the FarmPlanting progress update, tariffs and benefits for farmer veteransAfter an update on planting progress and the weather, Ben talks about the tariff situation and its impacts for agriculture. Plus, a look at benefits for farmer veterans, historically and now.2025-05-1619 minView From the FarmLooking ahead to Beef Month, ECAP payments go out, rain slows plantingTaking a look at some key issues in the beef industry right now, plus discussion about the ECAP economic payments, finding the right farm size and rains impact for planting progress after a fast start.2025-04-2622 minView From the FarmNational cattle numbers drop again, and a look at the EPA’s herbicide strategyDiving into the latest national cattle inventory numbers, the lowest since 1951, and when we might see herd expansion. Also, sorting through the EPA’s final herbicide strategy and what it might mean for farmers. Plus, some talk about the brutal cold across the Midwest.2025-02-1833 minView From the FarmBiofuels, story planning and a dry fallTaking a look at the importance of ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel for corn and soybean farmers. Also, talking about story planning meetings, harvest progress and a dry autumn on the farm.2024-11-0128 minView From the FarmDry weather for harvest, estate tax updateTalking about the dry weather for harvest, a drought and pasture update, and a look at the estate tax and how it can impact family farms.2024-10-1129 minView From the FarmHarvest update and a look at the pork industryWith harvest rolling, Ben takes a look at harvest progress numbers, drought conditions and shares updates from a farmer on his expectations for the crop. Plus, with Pork Month coming up, a look at the pork industry.2024-09-2723 minView From the FarmA road trip through Western agricultureBen talks about his recent trip out West, and the variety of agriculture he saw. Plus an update on drought and weather conditions, harvest on the doorstep, and a look at farmer consumer education and outreach efforts.2024-09-0631 minView From the FarmStill waiting on cattle expansion, soybeans try to rally, and it’s hotThe latest Cattle on Feed numbers indicate heifer retention and cattle industry expansion haven’t started on a national scale yet. Also, looking at hot weather and whether soybeans’ modest climb might be the start of something. Plus hogs make a rally, State Fair preview, and a look at university research farms.2024-07-2622 minView From the FarmNew WASDE report, flooding update, pasture updateBreaking down the latest WASDE report and what it says about projected corn and soybean production, plus a look at flooding along the major rivers and updates on the crops and pastures.2024-07-1221 minView From the FarmUSDA releases planting acreage numbers, and a look at the Pony Express MuseumThe USDA released the latest planting numbers, and it included surprising totals for corn acreage. Also, a summer travel look at the Pony Express Museum and its history, a youth in livestock feature, and cooling livestock buildings with recirculated groundwater.2024-06-2822 minView From the FarmCatching a good rain and a look at farm productivity trendsBen is in a good mood after a nice, timely rain on the farm. Taking a broader look at weather conditions and crop progress, then a dive into what the numbers say about productivity trends for the last 70 years of U.S. agriculture. And a feature on restoring old tractors. 2024-06-2128 minView From the FarmHot weather arrives, and a look at farm conservationTaking stock of the crops and markets as hot weather arrives, plus a look at farm conservation and land stewardship, land drainage management strategies, bagged feed use in dairies, and wishing a happy Fathers Day to farm dads.2024-06-1422 minView From the FarmComparing US and European agriculture, planting progress updateTaking a look at how American and European agriculture compare, as well as how recent rains have slowed planting progress. Plus a report on a livestock auctioneer contest and a look at farm radio. 2024-05-0828 minView From the FarmPlanting progress and cattle on feed numbersPlanting got off to a quick start, but a rainy weather pattern may slow things down for a while. Also, diving into cattle on feed numbers and what they show about trying to get cattle industry expansion going. 2024-04-2630 minView From the FarmLand values and farm historyTalking about early spring planting trends, land values, and farm history through the lens of the Mississippi River and a Century Farm. Plus some weed control talk. 2024-04-1926 minView From the FarmSpring planting and irrigationSetting the table for spring planting as April arrives, a good Easter weekend, and a look at irrigation trends.2024-04-0529 minView From the FarmVirtual fence and a cover crop updateTalking about virtual fence and the potential it could have to save labor on strip grazing systems, as well as a cover crop update, driving farm equipment on rural roads and a look at farm labor. 2024-03-2927 minView From the FarmFarm profits expected to decline in 2024Taking a look at farm profitability expectations across the sectors of agriculture, and what could drive them up or down. Also, talking about rural vitality and the importance of healthy small towns.2024-03-1428 minView From the FarmHello, March: Markets update, women in agMarch’s arrival brings anticipation of spring. Taking a look at livestock and crop market news, export trends, dry conditions, as well as a profile of the Missouri Soybean Association president and a look at classes for women in agriculture. 2024-03-0121 minView From the FarmRiver update, dry times on the Panama Canal, Census of AgTaking a look at Mississippi River levels and what it means for ag exports, as well as issues with dry conditions at the Panama Canal. Also, the USDA released the Census of Agriculture numbers, and a discussion about the ideal time to plant soybeans. 2024-02-2340 minView From the FarmSuper Bowl agriculture and FFA weekTaking a look at agriculture in the states of Missouri and California, in honor of the Super Bowl. Also looking ahead to FFA week and the Western Farm Show, as well as the coming release of Census of Agriculture data.2024-02-0926 minView From the FarmAg trade with China, latest cattle numbersTaking a look at trends in ag trade with China, the latest USDA cattle inventory numbers (dipping to historic lows), and looking ahead to next week’s stories. 2024-02-0229 minView From the FarmIs it time for cattle industry expansion?The cattle industry is looking to expand, but what obstacles will forage availability and higher interest rates provide? Ag economists are expecting a gradual expansion. Also, what goes into selecting and developing replacement heifers? Plus a look at an outside-the-box approach to selecting replacement heifers. We also start the episode with a nod to the great opportunity American agriculture has.2024-01-2632 minView From the FarmFarm succession planning, featuring a young livestock producerTaking a look at what goes into good farm succession planning, why gradual transitions work well, finding non-family farm successors. Also talking about the perspective of a young cattle producer and taking a quick look at the latest Cattle on Feed report.2024-01-1930 minView From the Farm2024 Cattle and Hogs OutlookU.S. beef cow numbers are at their lowest levels since the 1960s. Is this the year producers begin rebuilding the national cattle herd? Also, a look at the 7 states with more than 1 million beef cows. After a brutal 2023, can the hog industry bounce back this year? Then we wrap up with some efforts to promote locally grown ag products and support young farmers and ranchers.2024-01-1131 minView From the FarmCrop market outlook for 2024Reflecting on Christmas on the farm and travels to the South, looking ahead at crop markets for 2024, watching exports and input costs.2024-01-0530 minView From the FarmMaking harvest memories, looking back on the crop yearReflecting on the joy of harvest time with family, looking back on the crop year, sudden death syndrome in soybeans, Mississippi River update and looking at the hay and pasture situation heading into winter.2023-11-1734 minView From the FarmUSDA updates yield numbers, the chess match with weeds continuesTaking a look at the latest USDA crop supply and demand numbers, the lack of rebuilding the national cattle herd so far, Mississippi River levels, and the battle against herbicide carryover and resistant weeds.2023-11-1036 minView From the FarmA 200-year family farm story and a harvest updateSharing the story of Clay Farms and what led their family to the farm, as well as how they have kept it going for over 200 years. Plus an update on harvest progress and an NFL quarterback harvesting corn in Iowa. 2023-11-0333 minView From the FarmDeciding when to buy land, colder weather arrivesTaking a look at what goes into farmland buying decisions, land as an investment, whether higher interest rates have impacted land values, export news, story planning meeting memories and hoping winter doesn’t arrive too soon.2023-10-2731 minView From the FarmHarvest update, ethanol and exportsCelebrating the annual harvest survey stories, providing updates, looking at beef and pork export trends, talking ethanol and a celebration of land grant universities. 2023-10-2028 minView From the FarmWASDE numbers boost markets, Ag Census talkThe USDA released its latest World Agricultural Supply & Demand Estimates, and markets responded. Also, talking about ongoing drought, hog production numbers, harvest progress and the 2022 Ag Census2023-10-1335 minView From the FarmFall weather arrives, harvest continues, and a look at marketsBreaking down the harvest progress, drought conditions, Mississippi River levels, farm fresh meats and looking ahead at a Census of Agriculture story.2023-10-0636 minView From the FarmRecord-breaking farm sale and a harvest day on the roadTalking about a Missouri farm that sold for nearly 35,000 an acre, recapping a long and fun day on the road interviewing farmers about their harvest so far, and a Missouri Pork Association leader retiring after 40 years.2023-09-2832 minView From the FarmMississippi River woes, harvest progress, and exportsTalking about the impact of very low Mississippi River levels, the early stages of harvest, drought update, beef and pork export trends, and crop markets.2023-09-2233 minView From the FarmWASDE impacts grain markets, tight beef cow supply continuesDiving into the latest USDA WASDE crop numbers, the beginning of harvest, pig profitability problems, beef cow inventory numbers, expensive dairy replacement prices, rural schools, plus the story of Cedar Gap, Missouri’s highest town that was once an orchard hub.2023-09-1430 minView From the FarmHarvest excitement, cattle and hogs, ag in the classroomGetting excited as harvest draws closer, looking at the cattle and hogs situations, export trends and crop condition updates. Also, do bees help soybean yields?2023-09-0831 minView From the FarmHarvest preview, yield estimates, farm safetyTaking a look at the expectations for the 2023 crop as harvest draws closer. Also taking a look at the rhythms of the farm year, sudden death in soybeans, drought conditions and trends in farm safety.2023-08-3133 minView From the FarmEpisode 5: Heat, sheep, cotton and riceTalking about the heat wave on the farm, what it means for the crops, a look at the sheep industry, and a cotton and rice update.2023-08-2437 minView From the FarmWeather, markets and driverless tractorsChecking in on the weather, the drought, the crops, the markets, the national cattle herd trends, and a look at the potential for autonomous farm equipment.2023-08-1737 minView From the FarmFair-ly Good Farm TalkTalking about State Fairs, the summer weather, drought update, black bears expanding in the Midwest, Spanish for agriculture, and a look ahead.2023-08-1432 minView From the FarmRain, vacations and dronesIt rained! Some places. Talking about a choppy week of farm journalism, being a possible grain marketing genius/buffoon, the best time for a farm family vacation, black vultures, drought update, a million uses for corn and soybeans, drones, and a look ahead. Mixing in some ag travel talk as well.2023-08-0442 minView From the FarmEpisode 1: IntroductionTelling you about myself and my new podcast, talking drought, the Missouri State Fair and native prairie grass.2023-07-2730 min