Shows
Beyond The Crops131. Farm Wife's Guide to Christmas: Gifts, Traditions & Making Adult FriendsWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! As the Advent season begins, Jena and Mary Pat are kicking off the holidays with a fun, rapid-fire Q&A episode, tackling a sleigh-full of listener questions. After opening with a beautiful prayer for a Christ-centered season, they dive into everything from favorite Christmas traditions and non-toy gift ideas to the hilarious realities of making adult friends. Get ready for a conversation packed with laughter, practical advice, and plenty of festive spirit!đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… A Prayer for A...
2025-12-0956 minBeyond The Crops130. A Post-Thanksgiving Catch-Up: Falling Iguanas, Freeze Dryers, & Holiday PrepWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Fresh off the Thanksgiving holiday, Jena and Mary Pat are back for a classic catch-up episode that's equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and helpful. They kick things off with a prayer for gratitude and peace as the holiday season begins. From there, they dive into everything from frustrating health updates and unlucky travel stories to decluttering tips, listener mail, and exciting news from their small businesses.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Health Updates & Holiday Recapsâś… A Sweet Listene...
2025-12-0253 minBeyond The Crops129. The Poop Test & Getting Unstuck: Answering Your Questions on Decluttering & Farm LifeWelcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! In this episode, Jena and Mary Pat are giving a real-time update on the end of harvest and answering some fantastic listener questions. They kick things off by responding to a heartfelt voicemail from a listener navigating a tough season, which leads to an encouraging conversation about finding your place, embracing change, and trusting God's plan. From there, they dive into a fun and practical Q&A, covering everything from decluttering tips to the realities of homeschooling.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:
2025-11-2537 minBeyond The Crops128. Harvest, Hunting & Heavenly Promises: A Candid Catch-UpWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this candid catch-up episode, Jena and Mary Pat dive into the realities of the late-harvest season and the unique pressures it brings. From navigating the "double whammy" of harvest and hunting season to sharing hilarious family stories this conversation is the perfect mix of laughter and life lessons. 📌 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ A Prayer for Harvest & Health ✅ Funny Hunting Stories✅ Food, Glorious Food✅ Marriage, Faith, and "Love and Respect"...
2025-11-1848 minBeyond The Crops127. The Harvest Q&A: Our Unfiltered Answers to Your QuestionsWelcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! Jena and Mary Pat are here to answer your questions! From practical questions about their favorite cab snacks and how to monetize social media, to thoughtful discussions on Bible study and navigating holiday family schedules, this episode is packed with stories, tips, and plenty of fun tangents.What We Cover in This Episode:✅ Harvest Updates✅ A Tangent on Farm Laundry✅ Things We're Loving Lately✅ Answering Your Questions!* Bible Study Ide...
2025-11-111h 00Beyond The Crops126. A Raw Talk on Harvest Pressure & Giving Yourself GraceWelcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! In this raw and relatable harvest season check-in, Jena and Mary Pat get real about what it's like to navigate the busiest time of year when life throws you curveballs. Mary Pat opens up about feeling defeated after another vertigo episode sidelines her from the field, leading to a heartfelt conversation about self-preservation, giving yourself grace, and the pressures we put on ourselves. From harvest updates and homeschool realities to field meal ideas and tips for staying sane, this episode is a perfect front-porch chat for anyone...
2025-11-0450 minBeyond The Crops125. Breaking Free from Comparison: Finding Alignment in Your Farm LifeWelcome back to Beyond the Cops, where farm life meets real life! In this insightful and highly relatable episode, Jena and Mary Pat are tackling a thief that steals joy and paralyzes progress: comparison. After a quick harvest update filled with rain delays and breakdowns, they dive deep into why we compare, how it shows up in the ag world, and the practical, powerful steps you can take to break free. From social media pressures to finding your unique role on the farm, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop looking sideways and start moving forward.
2025-10-2844 minBeyond The Crops124. Wisdom from a Matriarch: A Conversation with Glendia Beck of Beck's HybridsWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this truly special episode, Jena and Mary Pat are honored to sit down with a woman whose life is woven into the very fabric of agricultural legacy: Glendia Beck. As the wife of CEO Sonny Beck and a pivotal figure in the Beck's Hybrids story, Glendia shares a lifetime of wisdom, from the hilarious story of how she and Sonny really met (it started in the womb!) to the foundational principles that have guided their family and business for generations. This is a conversation brimming with...
2025-10-2158 minBeyond The Crops123: The Grandmas We Lost This Summer: A Tribute to the Matriarchs Who Shaped UsWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life. In this special and deeply personal episode, Jena and Mary Pat take a moment to pause amidst the harvest rush to honor the incredible women who shaped them. Between the two of them, they lost three beloved grandmothers this past summer, all of whom had deep roots in agriculture. Join them for a heartfelt conversation as they share cherished memories, funny stories, and the timeless values passed down from their family matriarchs.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… A Prayer for H...
2025-10-1447 minBeyond The Crops122. The Long Road to Answers: Mary Pat's Vertigo JourneyWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this deeply personal and highly-requested episode, Jena and Mary Pat get vulnerable about health. With Jena on the mend from a severe illness during the peak of harvest, the stage is set for a raw conversation about navigating health challenges during the busiest seasons. Mary Pat takes the lead, opening up in detail for the first time about her frustrating, months-long battle with vertigo. From the first dizzy spell in a Walmart aisle to a winding journey through different doctors and treatments, she shares the whole...
2025-10-0740 minBeyond The Crops121. Finding Calm in the Harvest ChaosWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Harvest is officially underway, and your hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are diving into the beautiful chaos of the season. This episode is a classic catch-up, blending real-time harvest updates with life-at-home adventures, listener voicemails, and some heartfelt encouragement for navigating heavy times with grace.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Harvest Has Begun! âś… Homeschooling Updateâś… School Life & Potty Trainingâś… Listener Voicemails! âś… Harvest Meals & Treatsâś… Thin...
2025-09-3045 min
The Pacesetter PodEp133: The Messy Middleware of Ag Innovation with Brad Fruth of Beck's HybridsShow Highlights: Defining and fostering innovation at Beck's Hybrids. [04:32] Balancing skunkworks for future lines within R&D. [08:37] Bridging the gap between internal innovation and the farm gate. [12:44] Why does Beck partner with startups as a customer, avoiding a CVC model? [16:26] Hard lessons from rejected ideas and organizational resistance. [23:22] The power of relationships in driving innovation. [26:12] How to handle risk and goal misalignment in leadership. [35:26] The single most important trait that startup partners cannot fake. [43:18] Advice for innovation leaders and change agents. [48:17] Learn more about Beck's Hybrids at https://www.beckshybrids.com/. To connect with Brad...
2025-09-2450 minBeyond The Crops120. Revival is Here: Finding Boldness When the World is BrokenWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life. In this somber but hopeful episode, Jena and Mary Pat set aside their planned topic to speak from the heart about what’s been weighing on them. Opening with a heartfelt prayer, they dive into a candid conversation about navigating a world heavy with tragedy, the spiritual battles we all face, and the unwavering hope found in the Gospel. This isn't just a podcast episode; it's a front-porch chat about faith, conviction, and the urgent call for Christians to be a light in the darkness.📌 Wha...
2025-09-2345 min
Becknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationKansas Ag's Toughest Issues | Kansas Becknology DaysFrom policy to profitability, Kansas farmers face unique challenges that shape the future of their operations and communities. In this CORNversation, leaders from across the state’s commodity groups sit down with Beck’s Kala Jenkins to discuss the pressing issues impacting Kansas agriculture today—and the opportunities that lie ahead.Panelists:Josh Roe | CEO, Kansas Corn Grower's AssociationShawn Geffert | Farm LeaderKaleb Little | CEO, Kansas Soybean AssociationChris Tanner | President, Kansas Wheat Association
2025-09-2229 min
Field Good LifeCultivating Success: The Beck's Hybrids Story with Bethany GremelBethany Gremel, Director of Brand and Company Culture at Beck's Hybrids, shares her journey from a farm girl in Indiana to a pivotal role in one of the largest family-owned seed companies in the U.S.Discover how Beck's commitment to honoring God, serving others, and helping farmers succeed has shaped their 89-year legacy and continues to drive innovation and growth in agriculture.Learn more about Beck's: www.beckshybrids.com
2025-09-1938 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationThe Dealer Download: What Today’s Farmers ExpectThis session is all about sharing perspective as a Beck’s dealer - what’s working, what’s been challenging, and the lessons learned along the way. From building relationships in the community to navigating today’s ag climate and connecting with customers.Panelists:Tim Newcomb | Dealer Business Manager, Beck’sDavid Friedrich | Dealer Development Lead, Beck’sDavid Wilson | Fieldtech Farm SupplyDug Radcliff | Radcliff Seed Solutions
2025-09-1930 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationThe Beck Family PanelJoin the Beck family as they discuss the history of Beck's as a company, their family dynamics, coming back to work for the company, what separates Beck's from competitors, and more.
2025-09-1934 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationRed Crown Rot: The Silent Yield RobberThis session offers a farmer-focused discussion on a rapidly emerging soybean disease, exploring its potential impact on yields and the most effective strategies for managing it in the field. Farmers will leave with practical tools, early identification tips, and a clearer understanding of how to stay ahead of this growing threat.Panelists:Â Matt Montgomery | Agronomy Education Lead, Beck'sHolly Spangler | Executive Editor, Farm ProgressStephanie Porter | Outreach Agronomist, Illinois Soybean AssociationBoris Camiletti | Assistant Professor, University of Illinois
2025-09-1932 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationSuccession Planning: How to Have the ConversationTalking about succession isn’t always easy—but it’s essential. In this session, we’ll share practical advice and real experiences to help families start the conversation, navigate tough topics, and plan for a smooth transition to the next generation.Panelists:Rob & Emily Sharkey | SharkFarmer MediaRichard Roach | RAKR FarmsRick Roach | RAKR FarmsKyle Dyer | RAKR Farms
2025-09-1927 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationFrom Content To ConnectionAg creators are using platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, and radio to do more than entertain—they’re advocating for agriculture, educating others, and building real community. In this session, hear how they’re turning everyday moments into meaningful conversations that connect and inspire.Panelists:Rob & Emily Sharkey | @sharkeyfarmsZoe Kent | @farmwithzoeJena Ochsner | @jenaochsnerMary Pat Sass | @marypat.sass
2025-09-1933 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationWomen in AgFrom the farm to the boardroom, women are shaping the future of agriculture. This panel features voices from across the industry who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and paving the way for the next generation through business, advocacy, and hands-on work in the field.Panelists:Bethany Gremel | Director of Culture and Brand Experience, Beck’sRima Thapa | Corn Breeder, Beck’sAdrienne Held | Executive Editor, Agronomy, Successful FarmingZoe Kent | Farmer, Content CreatorDenise Scarborough | Farmer, Board of Director for Indiana Soybean Alliance, Ag/Commercial Loan Officer at The First National Bank of Monterey
2025-09-1935 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationThe Power of StorytellingWhether it’s at the coffee shop, around the kitchen table, or on social media, the stories we tell shape how others see agriculture. In this session, hear how Beck’s, other organizations in the industry, and fellow farmers are sharing their experiences to connect with customers, support their communities, and preserve their legacy—and how your story can do the same. Panelists:Ashley Fischer | Marketing Communications Manager, Beck’sKatie Sauer | Owner & Principal Advisor, EpiphiumNatalina Sents Bausch | Digital Director, Dotdash Meredith
2025-09-1931 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationNavigating the Maize of MycotoxinsMycotoxins—fungal contaminants that can grow on corn—pose serious risks to both human and animal health. This panel will focus on current research, mitigation strategies, and innovations underway to detect and manage mycotoxin threats. Beck’s has played a leadership role in this area, and the discussion will highlight collaborative industry efforts to address this persistent and complex issue.Panelists: Kala Jenkins, Government Affairs Advocate, Beck’sMark Apelt, Regional Product Specialist, Beck’sAdrienne Woodward, Senior Manager – Discovery & Novel Products, United Animal HealthEric DeBlieck, Director of Crop Sciences, Grain Millers Inc.Martha Vaughan, Molecular Bio
2025-09-1927 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationAg Robotics: Where Are We Headed?This farmer-focused discussion will pull back the curtain at the latest advancements in autonomous machinery and explore how robotics are shaping the future of farmingPanelists:Brad Fruth | Director of Innovation, Beck’sWill Hirschfeld | Project Manager, Beck’sAndrew & Jocie Bate | SwarmFarmVerdant Robotics
2025-09-1928 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationSeed Treatments 101: Innovation, Risk & RealitySeed treatments are under increasing scrutiny, but they remain a vital tool for growers. In this session, hear how Beck’s and others in the ag industry are standing up for farmers by defending the use of seed treatments through research, advocacy, and education. We’ll break down the science, clarify the misconceptions, and share what you can do to help protect access to this important technology.Panelists:Jordan Gregory | Director, State Government Affairs, ASTAJacquie Holland | Economist, American Soybean AssociationJonell Myers | Seed Enhancements Lead, Beck’sJ...
2025-09-1934 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationCommodity Innovation: Corn & Soybean Beyond the FieldFrom biofuels to plant-based products, corn and soybeans are at the forefront of agriculture innovation. This conversation will showcase how these commodities are being used to develop healthier, more environmentally friendly products, while also reinforcing domestic consumption and reducing reliance on foreign goods. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, policy support, and opportunities for value-added agriculture.Panelists:John Bode | President & CEO, Corn Refiners AssociationHelena Jette | Director, Market Development – Biofuels, Indiana Soybean Alliance & Indiana Corn Marketing CouncilJim Douglas | Farmer Leader, United Soybean BoardKala Jenkins | Government Affairs Advocate, Beck’s
2025-09-1939 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationMental Health on the Farm: It's Okay to Talk About ItAn honest, supportive discussion focused on the mental health challenges farmers face. Hear real stories, learn practical strategies, and discover resources to help you or someone you care about navigate the pressures of farm life.Trigger Warning: This discussion may contain mentions of suicide, violence, homelessness, and addiction, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or homelessness, please seek professional help. Listener discretion is advised.Panelists:Stu Manchester | Beck’s Dealer  Angela Sorg | Health and Human Science Educator, Purdue ExtensionDavid Ringger | Tra...
2025-09-1929 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationThe Future of Agriculture: According to Ag LeadersIn this dynamic session, a panel of influential leaders shaping Indiana’s ag landscape will share their insights on the challenges, innovations, and opportunities that will define the future of farming. These leaders are united by a common goal: to support and serve the evolving needs of farmers. Attendees will gain forward-looking perspectives, hear about key initiatives already underway, and leave with a clearer picture of how Indiana agriculture is adapting to ensure success for the next generation of growers.Panelists:Brad Fruth | Director of Innovation, Beck’sDon Lamb | Director, Indiana State Department of AgricultureCourtney Kingery | CEO...
2025-09-1933 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationThe Digital Farm: Precision Ag ToolsA discussion on the most effective precision ag technologies and how they integrate into daily farm management.Panelists: Craig Rogers | Precision Farming Lead, Beck’sSheila Downey | Regional Precision Technology Specialist, Beck’sSarah Chaffins | M&R AgShelby Sanders | M&R AgDavid Wilson | FieldTech Supply
2025-09-1924 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationCommitment Rewards: Embracing Our "Gimmicks"Often dubbed a "gimmick" by competitors, this panel discusses the program's origins, benefits, and impact on farm operations. Sharing insight into how the program evolved from offering ATVs to providing significant farm equipment like tractors and trailers through multi-year agreements. The discussion highlights the program's financial advantages, including buying power, interest-free options, and substantial returns on seed investments.Panelists:Hannah Rayl | Media and Industry Relations Coordinator, Beck'sTodd Roberts | Commitment Program Sales Manager, Beck'sTom Hooper | Director of Business, Beck'sTom & Suzie Zenz |Â
2025-09-1924 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationBuilt to Last: Beck’s Vision for the Next GenerationThis discussion will highlight the company’s commitment to staying family-owned, its plans for growth, and how it will continue to serve independent farmers for generations to come. Panelists:Bethany Gremel | Director of Culture & Brand ExperienceScott Beck | PresidentCorey Beck | Business & Supplier StrategistChris Beck | Facilities Project LeadJason Beck | Seed Representative
2025-09-1937 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationEducation DiSC sessionDiscover how understanding your own communication style—and recognizing others’—can make conversations more effective on and off the farm. In this session, Beck’s Education Team will walk through the DiSC model, helping you build stronger connections, reduce conflict, and work better together.Panelists:Ashley Schultz | Education Manager, Beck'sAndrea Brown | Education Specialist, Beck's
2025-09-1926 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationCommitment Rewards: Embracing Our "Gimmicks" | Kansas Becknology DaysOften dubbed a "gimmick" by competitors, this panel discusses the program's origins, benefits, and impact on farm operations. Sharing insight into how the program evolved from offering ATVs to providing significant farm equipment like tractors and trailers through multi-year agreements. The discussion highlights the program's financial advantages, including buying power, interest-free options, and substantial returns on seed investments.Panelists:Â Hannah Rayl | Media and Industry Relations Coordinator, Beck'sBrandon Smith | Commitment Reward Central Region Lead, Beck'sJerry & Anita Deweese | Beck's CustomersStuart Koehn | Beck's Dealer
2025-09-1924 minBecknology Days Live: Let's Have A CornversationSilk Reveal | Kansas Becknology DaysWhat really happens to corn during flowering, and why does the Anthesis-Silking Interval (ASI) matter so much for yield? In this CORNversation, Jim Schwartz, Adam Noellsch, and Scott Dickey from Beck’s break down how stress impacts silking, how to identify risks in the field, and what farmers can do to help protect yield potential during this critical stage.
2025-09-1924 minBeyond The Crops119. More Than an Event: Why Community Matters for Farm Wives + Case IH InterviewWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life. In this heartfelt and candid episode, Jena and Mary Pat take a moment to pause and reflect. Jena opens with a powerful prayer for a world heavy with tragedy, setting the stage for a conversation about finding hope, controlling what we can, and the immense value of community. Then, they dive into a full recap of their inspiring and cup-filling weekend at Kylie's Farm Wives Club, an event that couldn't have come at a better time.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:
2025-09-161h 03
The FARM Show - Farm and Ranch MissouriRed crown rot in east-central Missouri; Missouri ALOT program details - The FARM Show 9/13/25 A0:00 Alpha Aflatoxin intro0:45 Show preview1:50 Gov's Conference on Agriculture2:30 Missouri ALOT deadline and details6:30 Shout out to Brownfield, Mindy Ward and Chris Six7:05 MU Extension report on Missouri soybean yield11:15 Red crown rot near our broadcast area12:50  @BecksHybrids clip on red crown rot vs. SDS and more18:00 Check out  @stineseed and  @merschmanseeds for more18:15 B bloc...
2025-09-1319 minBeyond The Crops118. The Ultimate Farm Show Recap: Beck's Tech Days & Farm Progress Show + Case IH InterviewWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Fresh off a whirlwind month of travel, your hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are here to recap their adventures at two major farm shows. From the incredible culture and cutting-edge research at Beck's Technology Days to the hustle and bustle of the Farm Progress Show, they're sharing the behind-the-scenes stories, coolest tech, and most inspiring moments. Plus, stick around to the end for a special live interview they recorded from the Case IH podcast studio at Farm Progress with tillage expert CJ Parker!
2025-09-091h 03Beyond The Crops117. Pivot Bio's Next Chapter: New Products, Carbon Opportunities, and a Global VisionWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they sit down with Lori Reese, the Director of Commercial Sustainability at Pivot Bio. This conversation is a fascinating deep dive into the future of farming, from cutting-edge microbial nitrogen products to the often-confusing world of carbon credits. Lori, who comes from a seventh-generation farm family on both sides, shares her unique perspective on innovation, sustainability, and leaving a lasting legacy.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Pivot Bio 1...
2025-09-0241 minBeyond The Crops116. Tackling Back-to-School Chaos, Farm Wife StyleWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this episode, your hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are tackling a topic on every parent's mind: heading back to school. With a fantastic listener question, they dive into prepping advice, lunch ideas, and strategies for managing the morning chaos. Coming from two different perspectives this year—Mary Pat sending her kids to school and Jena embarking on her first year of homeschooling—this conversation is packed with practical tips and relatable truths for any family navigating this seasonal shift.📌 What We Cove...
2025-08-2627 minBeyond The Crops115. Everything You Didn't Know About Peanuts with Dena Malsom of the National Peanut BoardWelcome back to Beyond the Crops! In this episode, Jena and Mary Pat are joined by Dena Malsom, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Peanut Board, for a fascinating conversation that busts myths, shares surprising facts, and explores the story of this humble but mighty crop.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Meet Dena Malsom & her journey from corporate marketing to the National Peanut Board.âś… Peanut Farming 101: How peanuts are grown (spoiler: underground!) and why they're so sustainable.âś… The role of a commodity board in research, production, and consumer marketing.âś… Why peanuts...
2025-08-1938 minBeyond The Crops114. Unpacking Our Dense Summer: Health Deep Dives, Family Memories, and Farm UpdatesWelcome back to Beyond the Crops! Summer is in full swing, and for Jena and Mary Pat, it's been... dense. In this candid catch-up, they share the highs, lows, and hilarious chaos of a summer packed with family, travel, and unexpected health deep dives.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Catching up on a "dense but good" summer filled with intentional family time.âś… Navigating grief and family togetherness, plus a hilarious "beef stick in the ear" funeral moment.âś… The hilarious reality of toddler life, AKA living with a "feral raccoon."âś… Fair life...
2025-08-1250 minBeyond The Crops113. When Funerals Make You Rethink Everything: Phones, Family & What Matters MostIn this deeply personal and reflective episode, Jena and Mary Pat share a conversation sparked by recent life events that have them thinking about legacy, the passage of time, and the ever-present challenge of managing screen time in a hyper-connected world. After the loss of both of her grandmothers just eight days apart, Jena shares the poignant realization that it often takes a funeral to bring the whole family together, leading to a heartfelt discussion about being truly present with the ones we love.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Jena shares the recen...
2025-08-0535 minBeyond The Crops112. How to Actually Retire from Farming: Financial Planning & Estate Essentials with Jessica GroskopfWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Did you know a staggering 80% of farmers don't plan to fully retire, creating huge risks for the farm and family. In this crucial succession episode, we're tackling the tough questions about what happens when you can no longer work. Mary Pat and Jena are joined by ag economist Jessica Groskopf, to debunk financial myths and reveal the four essential estate documents every adult needs now to protect their legacy.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Why 80% of farmers don't plan to fully...
2025-07-2952 minBeyond The Crops111. Thinking Outside the Box: How a "Crunchy" Approach to Agronomy Can Boost Your Farm's ROI with Faith PiersonWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they "think outside the box" with special guest and agronomist, Faith Pearson. In this eye-opening conversation, Faith Pierson (aka "The Crunchy Agronomist") challenges conventional wisdom and draws fascinating parallels between holistic human health and the health of our soil.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Holistic Soil Health vs. Traditional Agronomyâś… Rethinking the Soil Testâś… The "Makeup" Effect of Nitrogenâś… The "Fence Row E...
2025-07-2256 minBeyond The Crops110. Booty Slaps, Beef & Balance: A Candid Chat with Mary Pat's Husband, JoshWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this special episode, Mary Pat takes the host chair and brings on her husband, Josh, for a fun and lighthearted Q&A session. They pulled questions directly from listeners on Instagram, covering everything from this season's crop updates and farm dynamics to raising kids on the farm and keeping a marriage strong.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:If you want to be more involved in the farm operation, you have to voice it. Start the conversation and be flexible with the...
2025-07-1550 minBeyond The Crops109. How to Find Family Time When the Work is Never DoneWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they dive into a conversation that’s close to the heart of every farm family: prioritizing family time amidst the never-ending demands of the farm.With their different living situations—Jena on the farm and Mary Pat off—they offer unique perspectives on a universal challenge. They discuss the guilt, the blurred lines, and the intentional strategies they've developed to protect their family relationships and create lasting memories when it feels like the work is never...
2025-07-0838 min
IL CORN TVBeck’s Hybrids Fight Farm DiseaseAre You Doing Enough to Fight Tar Spot?Tar spot has become one of the biggest headaches for Illinois farmers — but are you sure you’re using every tool to protect your crop?In this episode of IL Corn TV, Lindsay Croke chats with Matt Montgomery, Agronomy Education Lead at Beck’s Hybrids, to uncover the hidden risks, surprising strategies, and expert tips for managing foliar diseases in corn.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:00:00 – Welcome to IL Corn TV00:55 – Beck’s top recommendations for managing tar spot01:40 – Other practices that make...
2025-07-0708 minBeyond The Crops108. The Conversations That Will Save Your Farm Family's Future with Elaine FroeseWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this powerful episode, hosts Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass are welcoming back a trusted expert in farm family dynamics, Elaine Froese. Elaine is a certified farm family coach, author, and speaker who specializes in helping families have the hard conversations necessary for a successful farm transition. This time, they're moving beyond initial communication and diving deep into the essential structures, mindsets, and actionable steps needed to create a lasting legacy and find harmony on the farm.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:
2025-07-0155 minBeyond The Crops107. Weathering the Storms: Finding Faith & Resilience When Weather Rules the FarmWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, for an intentional conversation about a topic every farmer knows intimately: the weather. But this isn't just another weather report. They're diving into how weather impacts not just our operations, but also our hearts and emotions, and how we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and faith through it all.📌 What We Cover in This Episode:✨ Weather is an uncontrollable force in farming that deeply impacts schedules, operations, and emotions.✨ It's crucial...
2025-06-2443 minBeyond The Crops106. The Safest Energy You're Scared Of: Unpacking Nuclear Power with Jena's Brother JoeWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this unique and enlightening episode, Jena is joined by a very special guest: her brother, Joe! Joe is a Navy veteran who served as a nuclear operator on an aircraft carrier and now works in civilian nuclear power. He's here to demystify nuclear energy, address common concerns, and explain why it's a crucial, safe, and reliable part of our energy future, especially for rural communities.📌 What We Cover in This Episode:✨ Nuclear power is a remarkably safe, efficient, and reliable sourc...
2025-06-171h 17Beyond The Crops105. So You Married a Farmer... Now What? Wisdom for New Wives (From Two Who've Been There)Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, as they take a candid look back at their very different journeys into becoming farm wives. From big city dreams to growing up on a dairy farm, they share their unique perspectives, the lessons learned over nearly a decade (for Jena, a 10-year anniversary is just days away!), and heartfelt advice for anyone navigating the complexities of marrying into a farm family.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Jena and Mary Pat share...
2025-06-1049 min
Beyond The Crops104. Reducing the Chaos: Big Farm & Family Shifts for a Simpler LifeWelcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! Join your hosts, Jena Ochsner and Mary Pat Sass, for a candid and inspiring conversation about making big, intentional changes to remove chaos and prioritize what truly matters. Jena drops some significant news about shifts on their farm and in their family life, leading to a heartfelt discussion about choosing your hard, trusting God's plan, and the courage to pivot.đź“Ś What We Cover in This Episode:âś… Big Changes on the Ochsner Farm:* Selling the Sprayer* Shi...
2025-06-0335 min
Humble GroundThe Seed That Started It All: Beck's HybridsBeck's began as a small family farm in 1937, rooted in the heart of Indiana with a simple yet powerful purpose: to help farmers succeed. What started with Lawrence Beck planting hybrid seed corn on just a few acres has grown into the largest family-owned retail seed company and third-largest seed brand in the United States. Through decades of faith, hard work, and unwavering commitment, Beck's now serves farmers across the country.For more episodes https://www.humblegroundag.com/watchTo learn more on Beck's https://www.beckshybrids.com/
2025-05-0838 min
Future of AgriculturePractical Farm Innovation With Brad Fruth of Beck's HybridsHeadstorm: https://headstorm.com/AGPILOT: https://headstorm.com/agpilot/Software is Feeding The World: https://www.rhishipethe.com/sftwBeck's Hybrids: https://www.beckshybrids.com/ The word “innovation” is tossed around quite a bit - I’m guilty of overusing it myself. But what does it mean? There’s probably no better person to dig into this question at least in agriculture than Beck’s Hybrids director of innovation Brad Fruth. “Ideas are cheap. Motivated people that are passionate about their ideas is what is lacking.”Beck’s Hybrids is the l...
2024-05-0146 min
SOUL FARMEREpisode #15 | Susan Zody | Narrow Gate Horse RanchWith ties to the origins of Kokomo Susan (Foster) Zody shares the story behind her passion and ministry, Narrow Gate Horse Ranch (NGHR). She is truly living out the legacy of her family’s heritage. From volunteering with Kokomo Urban Outreach, she leaned into creating opportunities for older students to engage and learn more about a relationship with Jesus. As God would have it, she used a horse ranch concept to motivate these children after hearing about the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. Getting these children out of their current environment and experiencing these horses in a new way with Equin...
2024-04-121h 01
Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture SolutionsPractical Farm Research: Helping farmers succeedIn this episode, we talk to Jim Schwartz, Director of Research, Agronomy and PFR and Jason Gahimer, PFR Manager, both working for Beck’s Hybrids about the Practical Farm Research (PFR) program. Learn what the PFR program is, why it is important, and how farmers can get involved. Dive into the origins of the Practical Farm Research (PFR) program, tracing its roots back to 1964 when Sonny Beck started this unbiased research program to help farmers succeed by providing them with reliable information on agronomic practices, equipment, and other inputs.
Jason Gahimer, PFR Manager at Beck’s Hybrids grew...
2023-11-1627 min