Super Smart Farm Show

How Does Grain Go From Field to Feed?

This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're talking about how animal feed gets from the corn and grain fields to the feed troughs. The main ingredients in farm animal feed are grown on farms, but the process of getting the crops from the field to the feed bins is more complicated than you might think. Where does the corn and grain go after it's been harvested? How do farmers know their animals are getting the nutrients they need? Where is all that feed stored before it comes to the farm? Join host Elmer, animal nutritionist Nina and Bessie the cow as they discuss what it takes to keep animals fed and healthy. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com [supersmart@lancasterfarming.com]! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here [https://www.lancasterfarming.com/podcasts/] This episode was made possible with support from TAM Systems in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. TAM builds complete grain storage and material handling systems for farms big and small across the Mid-Atlantic. Learn more at tamsystems.com [http://tamsystems.com]. This episode of the Super Smart Farm Show takes young listeners inside the fascinating world of animal nutrition and livestock feed production. Hosted by Elmer, the episode explains how farmers grow crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat that are later transformed into nutritious animal feed at feed mills. Animal nutritionist Nina teaches kids how balanced feed recipes are carefully designed for different farm animals, while Bessie the dairy cow introduces listeners to a dairy cow's "total mixed ration" (TMR) made up of hay, silage, grain, vitamins, and minerals. Along the way, children learn about grain storage in grain bins, the feed milling process, and how animal feed is delivered back to farms to keep livestock healthy and productive. Packed with fun quiz questions, farm facts, and interactive learning, this educational agriculture podcast helps kids understand the journey from crops to feed trough while exploring farming, dairy nutrition, grain handling, and the science behind caring for farm animals.

What If Farmers Let the Weeds Win?

This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're pulling on our work gloves and getting ready to do battle with one of farmers' biggest enemies: weeds. But what would happen if farmers stopped fighting and let the weeds win? Would weeds totally take over? And how are they so good at growing and multiplying so quickly? Join host Elmer, farmer Clementine and Marvin the marestail weed as they discuss and debate what would happen if we let the weeds take over the fields. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com [supersmart@lancasterfarming.com]! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here [https://www.lancasterfarming.com/podcasts/] In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, host Elmer visits Farmer Clementine to learn why weeds are such a major challenge for farmers. Through a conversation with Marvin the talking marestail weed, young listeners discover how weeds compete with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil. The episode explains how invasive weeds spread through seeds carried by wind, animals, people, and farm equipment, while also teaching why weed control is essential for healthy harvests, strong flowers, and food production. Packed with agriculture facts, farm science, and engaging dialogue, this episode helps children understand crop competition, farming challenges, weed management, and the importance of protecting farm fields from invasive plants.

How Do Farmers Know How Deep to Plant Seeds?

This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're sowing seeds of knowledge by asking how do farmers know how deep to plant their seeds. It's time to get seeds in the ground, but hang on a second. What's the right right depth for planting corn? What about carrots? How do farming keep track of it all? Is there a special farm school where they can learn this kind of thing? Join host Elmer and Sammy the scarecrow as they discuss how farmers plant seeds at the right depth. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com [supersmart@lancasterfarming.com]! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here [https://www.lancasterfarming.com/podcasts/] In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, host Elmer explores the science of seed planting depth during peak spring planting season, answering a listener question from Juniper about how farmers know how deep to plant seeds. With help from Sammy the Scarecrow, the show explains that seed size, stored energy, and soil type all play critical roles in proper planting depth—larger seeds like corn and beans are planted deeper because they have more energy to reach sunlight, while smaller seeds must stay near the surface. The episode highlights how farmers rely on a combination of agricultural knowledge, experience, seed packet guidelines, and modern tools like planters and seed drills to ensure successful germination and crop growth. It also introduces young listeners to agricultural education, farm technology, and real-world farming practices, reinforcing that correct seed placement is essential for healthy crops and a successful harvest.

Why Do Farms Smell Funny in the Spring?

This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're taking a big whiff as we try to figure out why farms smell so funny in the spring. Spring is a time for all sorts of scents. Some are pleasant, like the smell of fresh flowers in bloom. But others are a little more pungent … like the smell of a farm while farmers prepare their fields for growing season. By why do farms smell so funky in the spring? Beyond the funk, could there be some good smells on the farm? And what, exactly, is petrichor? Join host Elmer and Farmer Wendy as they uncover the source of all those smells on the farm during the spring. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com [supersmart@lancasterfarming.com]! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here [https://www.lancasterfarming.com/podcasts/] In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, host Elmer explores a common seasonal question—why farms smell stronger in the spring—by visiting Farmer Wendy and diving into the science of fertilizer. The episode explains how farmers apply fertilizer, often made from manure, to provide essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that support healthy crop growth. Listeners learn why different animal manures produce different odors, how organic fertilizers recycle nutrients into the soil, and why spring is the ideal time for application. The show also introduces the concept of petrichor, the earthy smell after rain caused by soil bacteria, and how rain can intensify farm odors.

Are Dandelions Really That Bad?

This week on the Super Smart Farm Show, we're springing into action to find out if dandelions are really that bad or if they just get a bad rap. Dandelions are one of the first signs of spring, but many people see them as annoying weeds that need to be removed from yards, fields and gardens. But why all the hate? Could those little yellow flowers actually provide some benefits? Join host Elmer and Beatrice the bee as they discuss dandelions and why it might be a good ideas to let them grow. Do you have a question for the Super Smart Farm Show? Drop us a line at supersmart@lancasterfarming.com [supersmart@lancasterfarming.com]! For More Lancaster Farming Podcasts Click Here [https://www.lancasterfarming.com/podcasts/] In this episode of the Super Smart Farm Show, Elmer explores the surprising benefits of dandelions in lawns and agriculture, reframing the common weed as a valuable part of the ecosystem. With help from Beatrice the Bee, the show explains how dandelions support pollinators like bees and butterflies by providing early spring nectar and pollen, especially in urban and suburban areas with limited flowering plants. Listeners also learn how dandelions benefit wildlife and livestock, serving as food for birds, rabbits, deer and farm animals, while even contributing to nest-building for species like hummingbirds. The episode highlights the plant's role in soil health, explaining how deep taproots bring nutrients to the surface and improve soil aeration, helping surrounding plants grow. It also covers the history of dandelions as a nutritious food source for humans, including uses like dandelion root tea.