Barn Talk
Barn Talk is a weekly podcast hosted by father-son duo Sawyer and Tork Whisler. The show covers topics from the agricultural business world to investing, current events, entrepreneurship, and other kitchen table issues. Its goal is to promote agriculture in a positive light while relating with everyday Americans.
Episodes
Would You Sell Your Farm For $26 Million?
Corn is over $5 and beans are near $13, and a lot of farmers still won't make any more money than they did at $4.50 corn. Every time the grain price goes up, something takes it back, and the front half of this Hot Topics episode is about what's doing the taking.
Diesel is $6.13 in Iowa. One Illinois farmer spent $1,000 filling a single semi. Anhydrous is close to $1,000 a ton, up 25% from a year
Brazil Is Coming For American Corn
You can't out-yield your way to profit anymore, so Will Cannon is chasing margin with 2 or 3 bucks an acre of homemade compost instead of $40 an acre of bugs in a jug. Two Iowa corn farmers came to the barn this week: Will, an Iowa Corn Growers director from near Prairie City, and Paul Gieselman, president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, from near Morning Sun.
Will has run cover crops on 100 pe
The Day I Lost My Dad And The Day I Almost Lost My Son
Tork's dad lived to 99, flew fighters, practiced law, and paid for a farm. In July 2018 he fell down the basement stairs, and Tork brought him home to die in the same house he was born in. No guest this week. Sawyer and Tork each picked three days that changed their lives, and this is all six.
Tork sat up alone that night giving the hospice doses every few hours, and his dad passed around 5:30 in
1.3 Million People Watch Him Pull Dead Trucks Out Of Iowa Fence Rows
He grew up with kiddie pools in the attic catching roof leaks and frost forming on the inside of his bedroom wall, and today 1.33 million people watch him drag dead cars out of Iowa fence rows. Kevin Brown runs Junkyard Digs out of Ames, two hours up the road from the barn, and this one is mostly about what being broke actually builds.
The house sagged corner to corner and the ceiling collapsed w
Only $278 In The Bank And 550 Cows To Feed
He stacked every FSA beginning farmer loan he could get, went from about 100 cows to 550 in roughly a year, and when the balance sheet finally settled he was positive by $278. That is the number this whole episode hangs on.
Luke and Natalie Kovarik run Kovarik Cattle Co., a first generation Angus seedstock operation out of Ord, Nebraska, selling around 100 bulls a year in a January sale that star
The Big 4 Stole The Only Market Small Farmers Ever Built
Forty companies own 70 percent of the hogs in this country. Fewer than 100 plants slaughter 99.7 percent of them. Small farms running their own processing account for 0.3 percent of the pork on shelves, 2 percent of the beef. So when a menu names a farm, the math says it almost never is one.
Greg Gunthorp is a fourth generation pastured hog farmer in Indiana, 400 sows on 275 acres, with a USDA-in
The $280 Collar That Doubled a Ranch's Grazing Overnight
A rancher outside Kansas City put collars on 30 cows and went from moving them every two days to every four or five days on the same ground, at the same cow condition. That is double the carrying capacity overnight, and we spent most of this episode on how virtual fencing works and what it costs.
The collar runs $280 plus a subscription. Users report getting back 8 to 10 hours a week. The GPS is
Ranchers Finally Got Paid So Washington Wants 300,000 Tons of Beef
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s Hot Topics episode, the conversation focused on what’s really going on across the ag markets and beef industry. The discussion explored the effects of recent government moves to import more foreign beef, the ripple impact of packing plant closures, and what all of this means for ranchers, feedlots, and rural towns like ours. One concept discussed was how these
I Lost Everything at 26. Here's How I Built It Back
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, Tork and Sawyer sit down for an open and honest conversation comparing their lives and mindsets at the age of 26. Tork reflects on his experiences coming up in the late 1990s from the financial pressures and risks of running a farm to weathering the collapse of the hog market. Sawyer, now 26 himself, shares what it's like navigating business, investing,
Why Blue-Collar Jobs Are the Only Safe Careers Left in America
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, Sawyer and Tork are diving headfirst into some of the hottest topics shaping our world right now, with a special focus on the rapid rise of AI and its ripple effects across farms, industry, and global markets. From skyrocketing energy demands and oil market turmoil to the explosive growth in AI infrastructure and the controversial spread of data centers
He Quit Corporate. Now He Runs One of America's Best BBQ Joints
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of barbecue, entrepreneurship, and rural revival with special guests Garren and Kelly Kirkman of John G’s Barbecue in Peachland, North Carolina. Hosts Sawyer and Tork sit down with the Kirkmans to uncover their incredible journey from humble beginnings in cattle farming and hospital work, through the all-night pop-ups
Why Going Bankrupt Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this special episode, the conversation focused on uncovering the traits and habits that set successful people apart—especially those who've visited the barn as guests over the years. Instead of the usual hot topics, the discussion explored the common threads among high-achieving farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, sharing lessons learned firsthand f
How to Build a Profitable Ranch When You Don't Inherit Land
Welcome back to Barn Talk! Today’s episode is all about Taylor Moyer, a guy who swapped the fast lane of NASCAR for the wide-open spaces of cattle ranching outside Charlotte, North Carolina. The conversation focused on Taylor’s wild ride from pit crews to pasture, where he’s doubled his ranch’s acreage, built his own family home, jumped into ag-tourism, dabbled in tech, gone viral on social media,
I Won a Super Bowl as a Rookie. Here's Why I'm Going Back to Farming
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, the conversation focused on the incredible journey of Grey Zabel, who demonstrates that you can make it to the absolute peak of professional sports while remaining a farm kid at heart. From growing up in Pierre, South Dakota as a fifth-generation farmer to his college football career at North Dakota State and being picked 18th overall by the Seattle S
I Bet My Entire Farm on Raw Milk. Here's What Happened
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Rick Anglin, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Arizona who made the bold decision to leave behind the conventional dairy business after 17 years and forge a new path for his family’s future. Rick tells the remarkable story of how he bet it all to start Fond du Lac Farms- a fully integrated raw milk operation
The Input Buying Mistake That's Costing You Thousands
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s guest episode, we’re joined by Nicole Glenn an agronomist, content creator, and founder of the Farm Company, who’s earned a dedicated following by speaking honestly about agriculture, soil health, and her experiences as a young woman in the industry. Nicole grew up on her family's Kentucky farm, traveled all the way to Australia to farm and explore new perspectives
Farm Bankruptcies Are Up 70% and Nobody Is Talking About It
Welcome to another episode of Barn Talk! In this Hot Topics edition, Sawyer and Tork open up about what's happening in rural America and beyond.They kick things off by reflecting on an exciting month filled with outstanding guests and conversations, and they offer heartfelt thanks to listeners for making it all possible.
Today's episode covers some of the biggest issues impacting farmers and rura
Why Most Cattle Ranches Fail (And Nobody In Ag Will Tell You The Truth)
Welcome back to Barn Talk. In today's episode, our guest is John Haskell, an accomplished rancher, business owner, and expert at turning struggling ranches around. John has spent years working on ranches across the country, building up his own herd, and helping others transform their operations from losing money to becoming truly profitable. As the founder of Ranch Right LLC, John is passionate ab
Why Iowa Has the Fastest Growing Cancer Rate in America
Welcome to Barn Talk, where what happens in the barn doesn’t always stay in the barn. In this episode, Tork and Sawyer sit down with Zach Lahn, a sixth-generation Iowa farmer, entrepreneur, community advocate, and current candidate for governor. Zach shares his perspective on the challenges facing rural America, including the struggles of modern family farming, rising input costs, consolidation ac
Farming Like It's 1850: The Lost Art of Dark-Fired Tobacco
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Jordan, Vice President of Jordan Farms out of Nashville, Tennessee. Jesse gives us an inside look at the world of dark fired tobacco, grown and cured using the same tried and true methods from 200 years ago. From starting tobacco in greenhouses, nurturing it in the fields, and mastering the delicate art of curing, Jesse walks us th
The Generational Crisis That Could Destroy the Family Farm
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, you'll get a front-row seat for a deep, honest conversation with Luke Schultz, a fifth-generation cattleman from the heart of Kansas and a seasoned ag lender at Conterra Ag. Known as the “Force of Nature,” Speaker A shares how his upbringing in the Flint Hills shaped his approach to both ranching and banking. Speaker B and Speaker C dig into everythin
The Unfiltered Truth About Farming
Welcome to Barn Talk, where what happens in the barn doesn’t always stay in the barn. Today, we’re joined by none other than Cavin Malloy better known online as Stone Cold Cavin—the southeast Iowa farmer who’s been making big waves on TikTok with his razor-sharp wit and no-bullshit take on rural life. In this episode, Cavin Malloy shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his family farm, hi
The World Needs 24 Billion Meals a Day and a Good Story Won't Feed Them
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s Hot Topics episode, Sawyer and Tork are rolling up their sleeves to dive deep into the biggest issues facing rural America, the agriculture industry, and the world at large. Kicking things off with a market update spoiler alert: there’s not much sunshine the guys get real about the uncertainty shaking up everything from commodity prices to oil futures, and what tha
What It Really Takes to Break Into Farming When You Don't Inherit Land
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today's episode, we're joined by Brandon from NBC Precision Spraying LLC a farmer and ag entrepreneur who's been making waves on TikTok with his authentic, no-BS takes on agriculture. Brandon shares his journey from growing up on a small Iowa farm, building a custom spraying business from the ground up, and landing the opportunity to massively expand his operation through
You Could Make $280,000 a Year With Zero College Debt: Here's How
Welcome to a new episode of Barn Talk! On this “Hot Topics” episode, Sawyer and Tork are back in the barn, diving headfirst into the biggest stories and challenges shaping agriculture and rural life today. You’ll get the latest market update, talk of spiking fertilizer prices, and a frank analysis of how global politics, tariffs, and industry dynamics are impacting real farmers.
But it's not ju
The IRS Owes You Thousands: For Work You're Already Doing
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, hosts Sawyer and Tork welcome Brian Hula, a Nebraska native with deep roots in agriculture and a knack for helping businesses save money through smart tax strategy. Brian Hula grew up on a farm working in the hog industry and eventually made his way into the world of sales and insurance, but it’s his expertise in R&D tax credits that brings him to the barn to
This Farmer Has 500K Subscribers and His Neighbors Still Hate Him
Welcome back to Barn Talk, where what happens in the barn usually stays in the barn—but not today. In this episode, Tork and Sawyer welcome fifth-generation Minnesota farmer and powerhouse AG creator Chet Larson to the show. With nearly half a million YouTube subscribers, Chet Larson has built Larson Farms into one of the most recognized names in agriculture, giving viewers an unfiltered look at t
How a $156,000 Nursing Home Bill Destroys Family Farms
On this episode of Barn Talk, hosts Sawyer and Tork sit down once again with their friend and neighbor David Zieser for a no-holds-barred conversation about all things farming and rural life. This time, they swap stories about last season’s harvest, share laughs over equipment mishaps, and dive into the technical side of strip-till methods and adapting to unpredictable weather.
Beyond ag talk, th
Why Farm Bill Loans Just Doubled
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, Tork and Sawyer bring the heat with their Hot Topics round-up, tackling everything from the realities in today’s AG economy to the latest political buzz and cultural shifts. They dig into the newest farm bill, the struggles with rising input costs, and the truth behind government bailout checks. You’ll also hear their unfiltered takes on John Deere’s big equi
Why Hog Farmers Are Winning in 2026
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, hosts Tork and Sawyer sit down for another candid, insightful conversation, this time with David Newman, a true leader in the U.S. pork industry and the current CEO of the National Pork Board. From his roots as a fourth-generation pig farmer to guiding national marketing strategies on behalf of 60,000 pork producers, David Newman brings a unique persp
Why I Shut Down My Small Business
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this Hot Topics episode, Sawyer and Tork are back in the barn to tackle everything from the ups and downs of farm life to big-picture issues shaking the world right now. Sawyer opens up about the tough decision to close his direct-to-consumer meat business, Farmer Grade, sharing an inside look at the challenges of doing it all, why health comes first, and how focusing on l
The Real State of Farming in 2026
Welcome to a special on-the-road edition of "Barn Talk," where Tork and Sawyer bring their honest, down-to-earth conversation about farming to a live audience in Buffalo Center, Iowa. In this episode, you'll hear about their multi-generational journey, the tough realities facing modern agriculture—from razor-thin profitability and labor shortages to the challenge of passing on the farm—and how the
Why Corporate Giants Own Farming
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, Sawyer and Tork bring you a rundown of the week’s hottest topics—from farming market updates and surviving winter storms, to Trump’s bold moves at Davos and eye-opening government fraud in Minnesota.
The guys also break down the new food pyramid and share their own experiences with nutrition and whole foods. You’ll get honest opinions, relatable insight
Why Farmers' Books Are Lying to Them w/Jesse Bounds
Welcome to Barn Talk! Today, we're excited to welcome back Jesse Bounds, a hay export entrepreneur and coach whose last episode quickly became a listener favorite. Join Tork, Sawyer, and Jesse Bounds as they unpack the big challenges facing agriculture—from razor-thin profit margins and financial troubleshooting, to the disruptive impacts of technology and AI.
Jesse shares his journey building a
How AI Data Centers Are Changing Rural America
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, Tork and Sawyer are kicking off 2026 with a heavy-hitting conversation covering everything from the latest farm market updates to eye-popping geopolitical events and the new realities of artificial intelligence. The guys break down what the latest corn, bean, and cattle prices mean for Midwest farmers, before diving deep into some of the hottest global headli
What’s Next for Farmers in 2026?
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this Hot Topics episode, Sawyer and Tork cover everything from what’s happening on the farm to the bigger picture in AG, economics, and world events. You’ll get the latest market updates on corn, beans, and livestock, plus hear firsthand stories from rural life and how changing weather is impacting the Christmas season in Iowa.
The guys break down the financial headwinds
The Sweet Smell of Success: Inside America's Manure Equipment Industry
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, Tork and Sawyer dive deep into the world of manure and yes, there’s a whole lot more to it than you might think. Joined by guests John and Mark from Stutsman’s, a leading AG retailer in southeast Iowa, the crew explores the evolution of manure handling, from the early days of hauling with simple vacuum tanks to today’s high-tech dragline systems moving t
What’s the Secret to a Farmer’s Lasting Success? w/Jim Cuddeback
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, we welcome seasoned farmer Jim Cuddeback to the barn. Jim Cuddeback shares his family’s extraordinary 335-year journey in agriculture, experiences weathering tough times, and the evolution of farming from hands-on chores to high-tech machinery.
This lively conversation covers everything from succession planning and land prices to the value of good relat
How to Crush Thanksgiving Like a True American!
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this Thanksgiving episode, Tork and Sawyer bring holiday cheer (and pilgrim hats) as they answer listener questions and reflect on everything they're grateful for. The discussion covers farm life, market updates, family succession, and the future of small town America, along with some honest thoughts on health and favorite Thanksgiving foods. Tune in for practical insights
Consolidation, Debt, and Opportunity: What’s Next for Young Americans?
Sawyer and Tork take on everything from ag market trends and farm finance headaches to the recent NYC mayoral election and rising concerns about socialism in America. They dig into consolidation in agriculture, challenges facing young people in today’s uncertain economy, and how war and technology are shaping our future. If you’re wrestling with big questions about politics, money, and opportunity
How to Create a Brand That Fuels a Life of Freedom w/ Tim Jones
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, Sawyer and Tork are joined by brand builder, restaurateur, and bourbon aficionado Tim Jones. From his small-town Kentucky upbringing—where cattle farming, moonshining, and greeting card factories shaped his early days—to working with iconic bourbon brands like Buffalo Trace and Weller, Tim Jones shares his journey through the world of creativity and entrep
Why Farmers Are Done with Government Bailouts
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, hosts Tork and Sawyer open up the barn doors and let it all out, tackling everything from current farm market updates to hot-button issues in agriculture and beyond. The guys dive into the realities of input costs, farmer bailouts, tariffs, and beef prices in America, giving honest—and sometimes blunt—takes on what’s really hurting farmers and the rural ec
The Truth About Corn: Why It Runs America (And Your Life) w/ Steve Kuiper
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, hosts Tork and Sawyer welcome fifth-generation Iowa farmer and Iowa Corn Growers Association First Vice President, Steve Kuiper, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the realities of modern corn farming in America.
Steve shares stories from his family’s multi-generational farm, the crucial role corn plays in everything from food and fuel to clot
From City Streets to Iowa Farmers: The Hilbert Brothers' 1st Generation Farming Journey
Welcome to Barn Talk! Today’s episode is all about fresh starts and relentless hustle, featuring Grant and Spencer Hilbert—the Hilbert brothers. These first-generation Iowa farmers have built their operations from the ground up, documenting every step on YouTube and even branching into farming simulation gaming and ag software development.
Sawyer and Tork sit down with Grant and Spencer to talk a
From Watermelon Fields to NASCAR Glory: Ross Chastain's Journey Unveiled
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a truly one-of-a-kind conversation with NASCAR star and proud watermelon farmer, Ross Chastain. Sawyer and Tork sit down with Ross to dig into everything—from his eighth-generation family farm roots in south Florida to his meteoric rise in the racing world.
You’ll hear Ross share stories of growing up surrounded by watermelon fields, le
How Do Farmers Handle Tough Times and Tougher Choices?
Welcome to Barn Talk. From the ins and outs of this year’s harvest – including dryer breakdowns and yield surprises – to the realities of market updates, carbon credits, and the ever-evolving pressures on modern farmers, nothing’s off limits. The guys also weigh in on the changing landscape of agriculture, the future of beef prices, and even the controversy swirling around Jimmy Kimmel’s firing. T
The $1M Farm Diversification Escape: How One Iowa Farm Stays Viable w/Matt Kroul
Welcome to Barn Talk. Today, we’re excited to bring you a conversation that truly celebrates the grit, diversity, and heart of Iowa agriculture. Our guest is Matt Kroul—an Iowa farm kid turned University of Iowa football standout, NFL lineman, and now a passionate advocate for the future of the family farm.
Matt sits down with Tork and Sawyer to share his incredible journey—from growing up surrou
Charlie Kirk's Tragic End: Reflections on a Dark Day in American Politics
Welcome back to Barn Talk, where what happens at the barn doesn’t always stay in the barn. Today’s episode is a somber one, as Tork and Sawyer come together to reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah. With heavy hearts, the hosts share their thoughts and prayers for Charlie’s family and friends, acknowledging the deep impact of his loss on the country, especially among the yo
From $4 Corn Lows to Podcast Pros: Farm4Profit's Lessons on Surviving Tough Markets
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this special guest episode, hosts Sawyer and Tork open up the barn doors to welcome the crew from the Farm4Profit podcast—Corey, Dave, and Tanner—for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about life in agriculture, the world of ag podcasting, and so much more. From humble beginnings podcasting in a basement bedroom surrounded by spare blankets, to building a multi-host,
From Hopper Mishap to Farm Advocate: 25 Years of Wisdom on Surviving Farming's Hidden Dangers
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In this episode, Sawyer and Tork welcome a very special guest—Jeff Crotwell from Easter Seals Wisconsin’s Farm Program. Jeff’s story starts on a dairy farm in southwest Wisconsin, where an accident changed his life at just 16 years old. Rather than letting it hold him back, Jeff turned his experience into an opportunity to help others in the agricultural community. He no
Farming's Dirty Secrets: Lobbyists, Fake Farms, & Our Transparent Meat Empire Fix
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, Sawyer and Tork are opening up the barn doors and getting real with a good old-fashioned Q&A session. From farm life to local politics—and even makeup tips—nothing’s off the table. The guys kick things off with a lively market update, diving into the latest prices and trends for corn, beans, livestock, and more, before shifting gears to tackle your bu
Generational Wisdom on the Farm: Doug & Amy Larson's Story of Faith, Family, and Resilience
Welcome back to Barn Talk! In today’s episode, Sawyer and Tork welcome Doug and Amy Larson from Minnesota—well-known faces in the online ag community and the family behind a thriving YouTube channel documenting everyday life on their farm. The conversation kicks off with the Larsons sharing the heartfelt reason behind their trip through Iowa—supporting a friend’s family facing childhood cancer—bef
Surviving the 80s Farm Crisis and Embracing AI as Farmers
In today’s episode, your hosts Tork and Sawyer are coming to you from the barn with a special hybrid episode—no guest this week, but they’re diving into a mix of hot topics and answering listener questions straight from the barn floor.
The guys kick things off with their signature market updates, breaking down the latest in corn, beans, cattle, and hogs. They discuss the current state of the meat
Farming, Marriage, and Making It Work
In this episode, Tork and Sawyer kick things off with a look at farm life, crop updates, and a hard-hitting market rundown—complete with plenty of honesty about the challenges currently facing agriculture. The guys don’t shy away from the tough stuff, diving into topics like tanking grain and meat exports, the impact of tariffs, and the shifting global economy.
But it’s not all stats and politics
Inside the Iran Bombing: Military Moves, Global Tensions, and American Reactions
In this Hot Topics episode, Tork and Sawyer pull back the curtain on a whirlwind of current events that have everyone talking. From the latest on the Iran bombings and what it could mean for global stability, to some market updates and inside scoops on life in the meat business, the guys tackle the big questions with their signature blend of humor, skepticism, and straight talk. They break down co
How Millennial Farmer Built a Farming Empire on YouTube w/ Zach Johnson
In this episode, we’ve got a true pioneer in the barn—Zach Johnson, better known as the Millennial Farmer. Zach’s been at the forefront of sharing real, unfiltered farm life with the world, picking up a camera and showing millions exactly what goes down on his Minnesota family farm. In this special episode, hosts Tork and Sawyer dig into what inspired Zach to start documenting his journey, how soc
Farming Wisdom, Life Lessons & Ag Markets
In this episode, today’s episode is a special one—it's Tork’s birthday, and Sawyer isn't letting that milestone slide quietly. They kick off the show with a candid, unscripted vibe (even tossing the usual intro aside) and jump straight into good-natured ribbing, birthday shoutouts, and Tork’s reflections on 54 years of life.
Sawyer and Tork talk about everything from starting new gym routines tog
Green Beret to Whiskey Empire: Casey Maxted’s Fight for Veterans
In this episode, we’re joined by Casey Maxted—a man whose resume reads like an adventure novel. From his roots growing up on an Iowa farm to serving as a Green Beret in the U.S. Special Forces and later as an FBI agent tackling violent crime and counterterrorism, Casey has seen it all. But his story doesn’t stop there. He’s now channeling his experience and passion into entrepreneurship, running m
Protecting Kids, Perfecting Steaks, & What Really Matters
In this episode, Sawyer and Tork are letting it all out, diving into everything from the current state of food and farming in America to the rapidly shifting landscape of technology and business. They dish out their unfiltered takes on AI disrupting search engines, Tesla’s wild journey in the headlines, and the potential shakeup of Apple and Meta’s tech rivalry. The guys also offer a no-holds-barr
Barn Talk Q&A: What Every Young Farmer Needs to Know: Life Lessons and Practical Advice
In this episode, Tork and Sawyer open up the barn doors for another no-holds-barred Q&A, tackling questions submitted by you, the listeners. They kick things off with a quick update on the family farm—think muddy fields, stuck trucks, and the ongoing dance with unpredictable Iowa weather. After a rundown of the current ag markets and a few laughs over late-night pig loading adventures, the guys di
How Tariffs, Land Values and High Rates Are Shaping the World of Farming w/Jake Espenmiller
Welcome back to another episode of Barn Talk! In today’s episode, Sawyer and Tork dive deep into the world of agricultural finance with special guest Jake Espenmiller, the new President and CEO of Conterra Ag Capital. If you’ve ever wondered how tariffs, interest rates, and the shifting economic landscape are impacting America’s farms—or you just want to know what it really takes to thrive in ag f
Tariffs, Debt & Legacy: Will Farmers Win or Lose?
Welcome back to another episode of Barn Talk! Today, Tork and Sawyer dive deep into a highly requested Q&A session. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the agricultural world and their personal business ventures. From discussing the impact of tariffs on U.S. businesses and agriculture to candidly addressing the complexities of running a sow unit, they unpack crucial details essentia
Balancing Life's Demands: Elon Musk's Government Reforms & Social Media Realities
Welcome back to another episode of Barn Talk! Today, we're lighting a fire under our discussion with a Hot Topics episode. Sawyer and Tork are here to break down the latest in farming developments, market updates, and the interplay of government and big news stories. We’re kicking things off with our market insights, diving into the latest from the USDA, and touching on the deeper complexities of
Crafting a Legacy: Blake Albers on Beef, Business, and Balance
Welcome to Barn Talk! Today, we're diving deep into the world of meat businesses and innovative farming with our special guest, Blake Albers. Blake is a fifth-generation cattleman from Nebraska, who's bridging traditional farming with modern marketing tactics. From launching a direct-to-consumer meat business to navigating the complexities of building a USDA-inspected processing facility, Blake sh
No Limits: Richie Parker’s Journey from NASCAR Engineer to Inspirational Leader
Welcome to Barn Talk! Today, we're bringing you an inspiring conversation with Richie Parker, whose journey from an aspiring problem solver to a renowned race car engineer at Hendrick Motorsports is nothing short of remarkable. Richie shares his transformative story, detailing how he overcame everyday obstacles, engineered his path to success, and navigated new ventures beyond the racetrack as a m
The Farming Hack Jason Mauck Used to Slash Inputs and Skyrocket Yields
Welcome to Barn Talk! Today, we're thrilled to welcome Jason Mauck to the barn for a conversation that's sure to inspire and inform. Jason is a well-known figure on Ag Twitter, or Ag X, and is recognized for his innovative and outside-the-box thinking when it comes to farming practices. Early on, Jason didn't lean on the phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Instead, he developed a reputation
The Future of Farming: Is Corn and Soybeans Really Sustainable?
Welcome to Barn Talk! Today, we dive deep into a Q&A session packed with insightful discussions on various topics, from the challenges and dynamics of farming operations to market updates and future ventures. We tackle questions on the evolving agriculture landscape, innovative farming ideas, market potential of diversified products, and the value of legacy in farming. From exploring the potential
From Farming Roots to Forklift Empire w/ Alex Mortensen
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode we're diving into a unique business journey with Alex Mortensen, a man who's truly brought innovation to the heartland. Alex, our guest for this episode, has turned what once was a small-town elementary school into a thriving hub for his enterprise, Iowa Forklift and Equipment. But that's not all – Alex is also a Pioneer seed dealer and is in the process of
Hot Topics: Navigating Immigration Reform: Trump Policies & Their Impact on U.S. Agriculture
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode we delve into a myriad of hot topics affecting the world today. We navigate the current landscape of agriculture, politics, and economics. From the intricacies of market fluctuations and the importance of restructuring financials in tumultuous times, to the impact of immigration on American agriculture, the conversation covers a wide array of pressing issue
I Help Farmers & Truckers Move Millions in Freight—Here’s How
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode we welcome a special guest, Jared Flynn, who takes us on an incredible journey from his rural beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in the logistics world. Jared shares captivating tales from his childhood on a small farm, witnessing the sights and sounds of sawmill life, and how those early experiences shaped his work ethic and ambitions. He recounts his pa
Barn Talk Q&A: Discussing Farming, Politics, and Content Creation
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode we kick things off with answering questions submitted by listeners like you. From discussing the new look of our barn and Super Bowl prep to giving insights into the ever-changing world of farming equipment and market trends, this episode covers it all. We also share thoughts on the recent political shifts, media changes, and even delve into starting a YouT
Hot Topics: Navigating Farm Financials: Goals and Strategies for Success
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today’s episode we kick things off with a deep dive into the crucial role of farms in our everyday lives, as well as some insight into the challenges and successes Sawyer and Tork have been facing on their own farm. Next, we’ll tackle the ever-changing landscape of the commodities market, providing both a snapshot of the latest numbers and our own predictions for the futur
From Racetracks to Ranchlands: Taylor Moyer on Reinventing Agriculture and Agritourism
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today's episode we sit down with the multifaceted Taylor Moyer. Taylor's journey spans from his roots in agriculture to the high-octane world of NASCAR and back to farming and ranching. In this episode, Taylor shares his insights on balancing family care with personal excitement, the invaluable lessons learned from mentors like Richie Parker, and his reflections on slowing
A Year in Review: Farming, Entrepreneurship, and Whiskey
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today's episode we dive into a range of interesting topics. We kick things off by discussing political strategies aimed at stirring up chaos around elections and the surprising resilience of certain political figures. The conversation then shifts to President Biden’s controversial pardons.
On a lighter note, Sawyer and Tork reflect on the successful year at their ventur
Transform Your Farm For the Better: Overcoming Financial Struggles & Building a Legacy w/Jace Young
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today's episode we are thrilled to have Jace Young, founder of Legacy Farmer, join us for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation. Jace shares his extraordinary journey from the banking sector to becoming a pivotal figure in agricultural financial advisory.
Listen in as Jace recounts a transformative experience of eating from a dumpster, which led him to deeper p
Cattle, Corn, and Content Creation: Sonne Farms Talks Farm Life
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today's episode we have a special guest joining us, Cole Sonne, a renowned cattle farmer from South Dakota. We get into discussions about the extensive fence upgrades Cole and his father Brian have undertaken. With stories about cattle escapes, fencing technologies, and the tremendous effort required in farm operations, there’s a lot to uncover.
We’ll also explore the nua
Pork Quality, Market Growth, and Innovation w/ David Newman
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, our special guest is David Newman, the Senior Vice President for Market Growth at the National Pork Board. We'll dive deep into the pork industry, exploring everything from how food and clothing originate from farms to the intricacies of the Pork Checkoff program. David will share insights on domestic and international pork marketing, the pivotal role of rese
Barn Talk Q&A: Whiskey Names, Farming Myths, and Memorable Stories from the Barn
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, we dive into a lively Q&A session, packed with humor, stories, and insightful debates. We kick things off with a spirited discussion about an intriguingly named whiskey brand, "Chicken Cock," leading to a playful exchange about alternative animal-inspired names and a tasting review of a potent, caramel-noted bottle.
Tork recounts his recent whiskey purchase
Trump's Victory: Political Shifts, Market Reactions, and Farm Talk
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, we dive deep into the political landscape following Donald Trump's recent victory. Tork vocalizes strong support for Trump, emphasizing his ability to govern effectively and improve American lives, while criticizing the political left for allegedly creating crises to distract from his objectives.
Our hosts explore the shifting political tides as prominent fi
Manure Management Masterclass w/Rachel Rinner
Welcome to Barn Talk! In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of manure and fertilizer management in farming operations. Our guest, Rachel Rinner, joins us to shed light on the challenges, misconceptions, and increasing regulations that farmers face.
We'll explore critical topics such as the pressures from environmental activists on the (DNR), the overlooked contributions of residential
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